Sunday: The Icon of the Resurrection

Fr. Garabed Kochakian

T'oros Roslin Gospels, The holy women at the sepulchre, Walters Manuscript W.539, fol. 128r

From the Gospel readings of the Easter Vigil and Sunday morning, we hear: 

"With the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to the sepulcher." (Matthew 28:1) 

This sacred icon depicts the Resurrection at the Lord’s tomb. At its center stands the radiant angel, while the two Marys—faithful even in grief—hold vessels of oil, prepared to anoint Christ’s body according to Jewish custom. In this divine moment, the angel proclaims the earth-shattering news: "He is not here; He is risen, just as He said! Come, see the place where He lay." (Matthew 28:6) 

At their feet, the tomb guards lie in a helpless slumber, their weapons useless, their duty failed. The angel, seated upon the stone that once sealed death’s dominion, gestures toward the discarded burial cloths—the shroud and the face napkin—now empty witnesses to the conquered grave. The darkness of the tomb has been shattered by the Light of Resurrection. 

"Go, tell His disciples—and Peter—‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see Him, just as He told you.’" (Mark 16:7) 

This is the greatest story ever told, captured in both word and sacred image. It is the heart of our Christian faith, the unshakable truth we proclaim: 

Christ is risen from the dead!

Քրիստոս հարյավ ի մեռելոց՝ Օրհնյալ է յարութիւնն Քրիստոսի!

(Krisdos haryav ee merelotz! Orhnyal e harutiunn Krisdosi!) 

Blessed is the Resurrection of Christ!

This is our Medz Avedis—our Great News—the triumph of life over death, hope over despair, and light over darkness. He is risen indeed!