My father was Easter Rite Catholic, a Greek Catholic, so I grew up learning to admire icons from an early age

The fascinating symbolism of the Pentecost icons.

Published in Aleteia by Philip Kosloski 

The traditional Pentecost icon features various symbols that point to the salvation of the whole world.

Among the many representations of the events of Pentecost is the icon written by Eastern Christians. This icon has ancient roots and features a large array of symbols.

It is a visual representation that goes back hundreds of years and is filled with theological insights.

Below is a listing of most of these symbols and explanations of what they signify.

Rays of fire: At the top of the icon is typically a semicircle with 12 rays of light or fire, symbolizing the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the 12 apostles.

Fire🔥 is a traditional symbol of the Holy Spirit, as there are multiple biblical passages that connect the action of the Holy Spirit to fire.

Apostles seated with Mary: Mary is often in the center of the icon, with the apostles seated in a semicircle. This is a reference to the Acts of the Apostles and how Mary was with them.

They are seated in such a way that expresses the harmony and unity the Holy Spirit brings to the Church.

Mary is also seated on the "teacher's seat," reminding us that she is the example for all Christians to follow.

In other depictions there is an empty spot, reserved for Jesus Christ, the head of the Church.

Cosmos at the bottom:  One of the most fascinating parts of the Pentecost icon is the strange figure at the bottom of the icon. It is said to be the personification of the world, "Cosmos," and represents the salvation of the whole world.

A 17th-century description, quoted on the blog Orthodox Road, explains this symbolism.

The man sits in a dark place, since the whole world had formerly been without faith; he is bowed down with years, for he he was made old by the sin of Adam; his red garment signifies the devil’s blood sacrifices; the royal crown signifies sin, which ruled the world [as a tyrant]; the white cloth in his hands with the twelve scrolls means the twelve Apostles, who brought light to the whole world with their teaching.

It is a beautiful icon, one that has rich symbolism to take us deeper into the mystery of Pentecost.