Probably, the icon of the apostles Peter and Paul is one of the most familiar to everyone who has ever turned to the images of Christian saints. Their canonical appearance has remained unchanged since ancient times when followers of the teachings of the resurrected Savior gathered for their services in the depths of the catacombs. The key to the gates of the Kingdom of God in the hands of one of them and the sword - a symbol of sacrifice - in the hands of the other - evidence that before us are precisely those who are usually called the supreme apostles.
Features of their image
Researchers came to the conclusion that the description of the saints given in early traditions seems to be true, and on its basis the image that the icon conveys was formed. Peter and Paul lived in that era when the first chronicles of their ascetic ministry were compiled, the authors of which could well be familiar with them, or at least see them. This, probably, explains the invariability attached to their portrait traits.
It is believed that the icon “Peter and Paul” owes this extraordinary constancy to the traditions of the Roman sculptural portrait, which had been brought to perfection by that time. The authors of the first frescoes found on the walls of the catacombs were undoubtedly familiar with the technique of portraiture, which allowed them to give the images of the apostles truthful and realistic features.
The proximity of individual traits
Comparing the works of masters who lived in different eras, in different parts of the Christian world and never saw each other’s creations, one is amazed at the similarity of the faces they depict. For example, the icon "Peter and Paul", written in ancient Byzantium, and its analogue of the Novgorod school of the 16th century, no doubt convey the features of the same people. Moreover, it is well known that painters from the banks of Volkhov were not familiar with the works of their predecessors.
A special place in the iconography of the holy apostles is occupied by their joint images. Such compositions are often associated with the circumstances of the life of the saints and the martyrdom, which took place on the same day. As plots, an apocryphal text is often used, telling about their last meeting and farewell shortly before execution. Usually the icon “Peter and Paul”, written on its basis, is an image of the apostles fraternally embracing and kissing each other.
The veneration of the holy apostles on the banks of the Dnieper and Volkhov
Since the adoption of Christianity, the image of the supreme apostles was considered one of the most revered in Russia. It is known that upon returning from Korsun by the Holy Prince Vladimir the icon “Peter and Paul” was brought to Kiev, which later became a gift to the St. Sophia Cathedral in Novgorod. It has not survived to our days, but in the ancient temple you can now see the fresco of the XI century, written on this subject.
Spirituality at the heart of the image of the apostles
Today, in the iconostases of most churches, the icon of Peter and Paul is an integral part of the deesis series. Its value has grown immeasurably over time. The reason is a more complete understanding of their images. They are symbols of unlimited faith in the truth of Christ’s doctrine, which allows even a simple, not learned and weak person, like Peter used to be, to rise to the heights of holiness.
In addition, it is a symbol of the openness of the path to spiritual perfection for those who initially not only did not accept the teachings of Christians, but were their fierce persecutors, like the Apostle Peter. Of course, in our post-atheistic times, such images are very relevant, especially since the Orthodox Church conducts extensive educational work aimed at filling those gaps in the religious education of the people that arose in the era of the atheism. In general, any depiction of the apostles is a visual sermon of the Christian faith, opening the gate to eternal life.