The Virgin Nativity Cathedral
Section of Northern Lengthwise Nave. North View

“Wishing to bestow His grace...” (Akathist, Kontakion 12)

The descent into hell is described in the apocryphal gospel of Nicodemus. Having descended into hell Christ destroyed the gates and delivered the souls of the Old Testament righteous men who prayed for his coming. The composition of the Ferapontov Monastery includes Christ who tears the scroll with sins, the so-called “bondage records” that symbolize the sinfulness of the human race.