The icon of THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST also called THE DECENT INTO HADES is located in the south apse wall in the nave and its meaning is as follows (the numbers on the drawing of the icon correspond to the numbered tabs below the drawing which you may click to learn more):
Our Saviour tramples the gates of Hades. The dark caves on the icon signify that Hades was a place of darkness, beneath the earth; a spiritual place where the just of the Old Testament awaited the reopening of Paradise.
Saints of the Old Testament, until now held in Hades, they are led by Saint John the Baptist (on the left side of Christ) who, after he was beheaded, announced to those in Hades that the Messiah had come and they would soon be with him in Paradise.
The tombs of our first parents, Adam and Eve. “…and to those in the tombs He granted life.” Adam and Eve are thus restored to Paradise. The power of death is overthrown, the Saints of past ages are set free and we are granted salvation by the great work accomplished by our Lord through the Cross.