Icon "Peter and Paul" and its meaning

Probably, the icon of the apostles Peter and Paul is one of the most familiar to all who ever appealed to the images of Christian saints. Their canonical appearance remains unchanged from those ancient times when the followers of the doctrine of the risen Savior gathered for their services in the depths of the catacombs. The key to the gates of the Kingdom of God in the hands of one of them and the sword - a symbol of sacrifice - in the hands of the other is the evidence that we are in front of those who are called primary apostles.

Features of their image

Researchers came to the conclusion that the description of the saints, cited in the early legends, seems to correspond to reality, and on its basis the image that the icon transmits is formed. Peter and Paul lived in the era when the first chronicles of their selfless ministry were compiled, the authors of which could well be familiar with them, or at least see. This, probably, explains the immutability attached to their portrait traits.

It is believed that the icon "Peter and Paul" is due to this extraordinary constancy of the traditions of the Roman sculptural portrait, perfected by that time. The authors of the first frescos found on the walls of the catacombs were undoubtedly familiar with the technique of portraying, which enabled them to give true and realistic images to the images of the apostles.

The closeness of individual traits

Comparing the works of masters who lived in different epochs, in different parts of the Christian world and who never saw each other's creations, you are amazed at the similarity of the images depicted by them. For example, the icon "Peter and Paul," written in ancient Byzantium, and its analogue of the Novgorod school of the XVI century, no doubt, convey the traits of the same people. And it is precisely known that the painters from the banks of the Volkhov were not familiar with the works of their predecessors.

A special place in the iconography of the holy apostles is occupied by their joint images. Such compositions are often associated with the circumstances of the lives of saints and martyrdom, held in one day. As the subjects are often used apocryphal text, narrating about their last meeting and farewell shortly before the execution. Usually, the icon "Peter and Paul," written on its basis, is an image of the apostles embracing and kissing each other.

Veneration of the holy apostles on the banks of the Dnieper and Volkhov

Since the adoption of Christianity, the image of the first-class apostles was considered one of the most revered in Russia. It is known that on his return from Korsun, the holy Prince Vladimir was brought to Kiev the icon "Peter and Paul," which later became a gift to the St. Sophia Cathedral in Novgorod. Up to now it has not survived, but in the ancient temple it is still possible to see a fresco of the 11th century, written on this subject.

Spirituality is the basis of the image of the apostles

Today in the iconostasis of most churches an integral part of the Deesis tier is the icon of Peter and Paul. Its significance has increased immeasurably over time. The reason is more complete comprehension of their images. They are symbols of unlimited faith in the truth of Christ's teaching, allowing even a simple, not learned and weak person, like Peter was before, to rise to the heights of holiness.

In addition, it is a symbol of the openness of the path to spiritual perfection for those who initially not only did not accept the teaching of Christians, but also was their furious persecutor, like the Apostle Peter. Certainly, in our post-iteistic times, these images are very relevant, especially since the Orthodox Church conducts extensive educational work aimed at filling in the gaps in the religious education of the people that arose in the era of the theomachism. In general, any image of the apostles is a graphic preaching of the Christian faith, which opens the gates to eternal life.