Apparently, the icon of the apostles Peter and Paul isone of the most familiar to all who ever appealed to images of Christian saints. Their canonical appearance remains unchanged from those ancient times when followers of the doctrine of the risen Savior gathered for their services in the depths of the catacombs. The key from 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
The researchers came to the conclusion that the descriptionsaints, given in the early legends, most likely corresponds to reality, and on its basis the image that the icon transmits is formed. Peter and Paul lived at the time when the first chronicles of their selfless work were being 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.
Считается, что икона «Пётр и Павел» этим extraordinary constancy is due to 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 the images of the apostles true and realistic features.
The proximity of individual traits
Comparing the work of masters who lived in different epochs,in different parts of the Christian world and never having seen each other's creations, is struck by 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 apostlesoccupy their joint images. Such compositions are often associated with the circumstances of the life of the saints and the martyr's demise, which took place on the same day. The apocryphal text is often used as a plot, which tells about their last meeting and farewell shortly before the execution. Typically, the icon "Peter and Paul", written on its basis, is an image of the apostles, brotherly embracing and kissing each other.
Veneration of the Holy Apostles on the banks of the Dnieper and Volkhov
Since the adoption of Christianity, the imageFirst Apostles were considered one of the most revered in Russia. It is known that on returning from Korsun to Holy Prince Vladimir, the icon Peter and Paul was brought to Kiev, which later became a gift to the Sofia Cathedral in Novgorod. To this day it has not been preserved, but in the ancient temple one can still see the 11th century mural painted on this subject.
Spirituality at the heart of the image of the apostles
Nowadays in the iconostasis of most templesAn integral part of the Deesis series is the icon of Peter and Paul. Its value has increased immeasurably over time. The reason is a more complete understanding of their images. They represent the symbols of boundless faith in the truth of Christ's teaching, which allows even a simple, not learned and weak person, as Peter was before, to rise to the heights of holiness.
It is also a symbol of the openness of the path tospiritual perfection for those who initially not only did not accept the teachings of Christians, but was also their fierce persecutor, like the apostle Peter. Of course, in our post-atheistic times, such images are highly relevant, especially since the Orthodox Church conducts extensive educational work aimed at filling the gaps in the religious education of the people that arose during the era of theomachy. In general, any image of the apostles is a clear preaching of the Christian faith, which opens the gates to eternal life.
