“When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them” (Acts 2:1-3).
Pentecost Icon, Kirillo-Belozersk Monastery (c.1497)
Three interesting things to note in this icon:
- The Apostle Paul is present (bearded with pink garments), though he was not present on that particular Pentecost Day.
- Twelve rays descend from the blue semi-circle (mandorlas) at the top of the icon, which represents the Descent of the Holy Spirit.
- What do you make of the empty seat between St. Paul and St. Peter? Who should be seated there, but is not?