Today is Pentecost! The icon for this festival is known as “The Descent of the Holy Spirit”.
- Direction – We read top to the bottom.
- Start by looking at the semicircle with rays coming from it which are pointing toward the Apostles. These show God sending his holy spirit on the twelve apostles.
- Color red and gold are seen in this icon boldly which teaches us that this is a momentousness event.
- The building in the background of the icon is the upper room where the Disciples of Christ gathered after the Ascension.
- The Apostles are seated in a semicircle. This is a symbol of the unity of the Church
- The motifs for three saints who were not actually there are included among the twelve
- Paul is the Bald man across from Peter (the one with the white beard) at the top.
- Mark and Luke are also included. In many versions they are the ones looking away. With John and Matthew they can be recognized by holding books. These are the Gospels.
- The Apostles are holding scrolls that represent the teaching authority given to them by Christ.
- In the center bottom a royal figure is seen against a dark background. This is Cosmos, representing the people of the world living in darkness and sin, and involved in pagan worship
- Cosmos carries in his hands a cloth containing scrolls which represent the teaching of the Apostles. Through the apostles’ teachings the Gospel has spread to all parts of the world. This was only made possible through the power of the Holy Spirit.
- This icon is very similar to the annunciation icon, both include the red banner. This represents God creating a connection from heaven to earth. This time that is in the giving of the promised Holy Spirit.
Source:
Festival Icons for the Christian Year 
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In