Second Coming of Christ Icon - F271

This 17th century Greek icon depicts the Second Coming and Last Judgment of the Lord. At the top, Christ is enthroned as the Almighty Judge, while the Virgin Mary and St. John the Baptist stand near him in prayer. The Twelve Apostles sit as the Elders described in the Book of Revelation.

Below Christ is the Holy Cross and the Gospel, and Adam and Eve bowing down in humility. They represent the entire human race, which will bow down to Christ on the Last Day—either from love, or from fear. From the Gospel hangs the Scales of Justice, symbolizing how all people will be judged according to the teachings of Christ. The Archangel Michael stands in the center, holding the sword of justice and the orb of divine authority, proclaiming the arrival of the Judge.

There are six groups of people in the middle: bishops and priests, kings and righteous men, martyrs, women-martyrs and righteous women, monks, and nuns.

On the bottom right are the crowds of Saints. In the center is the "Narrow Gate" into heaven, through which only the righteous may enter. On the left is a representation of Paradise, with the Virgin Mary seated in an Eden-like garden, together with the Good Thief (traditionally named Dysmas) and Abraham holding Isaac.