Last Judgment Icon - F151

This instructional icon depicts the Second Coming and the Last Judgment.

At the top Christ is seen coming in glory, flanked by the armies of the heavenly host, his Mother, and the Prophet John. In the next row are the Twelve Apostles, sitting as judges. In the middle is the Holy Cross and the Book of Life. Below this are the people of the world, looking on with awe. Adam and Eve kneel in prayer, begging mercy for their children. The Prophet David shows demonstrates that his words have come true.

The bottom section of the icon shows a variety of scenes. On the right, four angels blow their trumpets, signaling the Lord's arrival. The graves are opened and the people come forth to face their Judge. A river of fire extends down from the Lord's throne, and Hell devours those who opposed Christ.

The icon is a sobering reminder of the reality that we will face one day. For this reason, icons of the Last Judgment are traditionally displayed near the exit doors of a church narthex: a reminder before we return to the world of the standards to which we are held as Christians. The icon is also displayed on the Sunday of the Last Judgment during the Triodion period.

Because of the demonic content and sobering subject matter, icons of the Last Judgment are not typically used for veneration, but rather for instruction.