In the Orthodox Church it is celebrated on July 29 (July 12 according to the old calendar). On this day, the fast called Petrov ends. To answer the question of what the icon of Saints Peter and Paul means, let’s dive a little into the history of the New Testament. The holiday dedicated to the two great saints Peter and Paul has been known since early Christianity and was also celebrated in the Roman Empire. According to legend, Christ's disciples Peter and Paul suffered martyrdom on the same day, namely July 29.

The story of Peter and Paul

Peter was a brother. First his name was Simon, and he was a fisherman. The poor but pious young man became one of the main pillars of the Christian faith. He immediately followed the Lord, as a great fate awaited him.

Previously he was called Saul, and his family came from the tribe of Benjamin. He was from a noble family and was a Roman citizen. At first he was an ardent persecutor of Christians, and then became a faithful disciple of Christ.

The Apostle Peter became the chosen apostle of God and His greatest confessor, he began to nourish the souls of believing Christians with his sermons, and with him the beginning of Orthodoxy was laid. On the Feast of Peter and Paul, people who were ordinary sinners are glorified, but turned into saints.

The image of the icon of Peter and Paul suggests that if we cannot have strong faith like the Apostles Peter and Paul and do miracles, thanks to which they converted people to their faith, then we will try to learn at least the deepest humility and unfeigned repentance.

Even on the miniature of the Khludov Psalter. Pronounced portrait features of the apostles Peter and Paul can be traced already in early Christian iconography: in the painting of the Roman catacombs of the 3rd - early 4th centuries. you can recognize the Apostle Peter with short gray hair and a small beard and Paul with his characteristic Jewish (cf. Phil. 3:5) appearance, high forehead and long dark beard.

Typical of the pre-Mongol period is the image of the holy apostles Peter and Paul in full height, standing side by side. This is exactly how they are depicted on the oldest (11th century) icon that has come down to us - from the St. Sophia Cathedral in Novgorod. Perhaps this icon was brought from Korsun to Kyiv by Equal-to-the-Apostles Grand Duke Vladimir himself, and later it came to Novgorod. Currently, researchers date it to the mid-11th century. - perhaps this is a copy of an earlier Kyiv icon transferred to Novgorod. The icon was revered as miraculous, therefore in the 16th century. Ivan the Terrible, along with other revered shrines, took it from Veliky Novgorod to Moscow.

Later, the icon was returned to Novgorod, and it was in the St. Sophia Cathedral until the middle of the 20th century. During the Great Patriotic War, the icon was taken by the German occupiers to Germany, but in the early 1950s. she was returned to Novgorod.

After restoration, already in the 21st century, it again entered the Novgorod Museum-Reserve.

The iconography of this earliest of our icons of the apostles contains details that became canonical for subsequent times. This is not only the characteristic appearance of the apostles. The Apostle Paul holds a closed book in a precious setting, Peter has a rolled scroll - a symbol of his apostolic writings, a long golden staff (cf. John 21:15-17) and golden keys (Matthew 16:19). Between the apostles - a little higher, as if in the distance - is a shoulder-length image of the blessing Savior with the Gospel in his left hand. The Apostle Peter, repeating the blessing gesture of Christ, also folded his hand in a nominal blessing, and the right hand of the Apostle Paul with folded fingers is at chest level, as if he were making the sign of the cross. The figures of the apostles are slightly turned towards each other - and towards the Savior located between them.

Another well-known icon, depicting the supreme apostles in pairs, comes from the Church of the Apostles Peter and Paul in Belozersk, dating back to the end of the 12th - beginning of the 13th centuries. and is located in the State Russian Museum. It differs from the Novgorod one in its strict laconicism: the apostles are depicted side by side and facing the viewer, they are quite recognizable by their portrait resemblance to canonical examples, but their hands are folded in almost the same blessing gesture, and the arrangement of their writings is almost the same - the book of the Apostle Paul and the scroll of Peter . Peter has neither a staff nor keys. This iconographic type also became widespread in Rus' - an example is the icon of the 15th century. from the Petrozavodsk Museum of Fine Arts.

The image is extremely simplified; The apostles have only their scriptures in their hands, and Paul holds the book with both hands, and Peter’s right hand holding the scroll is folded for blessing. The portrait resemblance is noticeable, but the Apostle Paul’s beard is not completely dark.

There are many examples of the further development of the first - “Novgorod” - iconographic type of paired images of the supreme apostles. On the icon of the early 17th century. from the village of Sludka (Perm Art Gallery) the portrait resemblance is undeniable, although the Apostle Peter does not have accentuated gray hair, and Paul’s beard is not as dark and long as in early icons. They stand in prayer before the Savior, seated on the Throne on a cloud, surrounded by ethereal Heavenly forces. The right hands of the apostles are depicted not in a blessing gesture, but prayerfully extended to Christ. On Peter's open palm is a thin chain with an elegant gold key.

But most of the surviving images of the supreme apostles are icons of the Deesis rank. They, depending on the adopted scheme, can be half-length - such as, for example, the famous “Vysotsky” rank located in the State Tretyakov Gallery (from the Vysotsky Monastery in Serpukhov), and full-length. A wonderful example of a half-length image is the icon of the Apostle Paul from the Zvenigorod rank, painted by the Rev. Andrei Rublev (Tretyakov Gallery). Only three icons from the Deesis order have survived to our time, painted by the Monk Andrew, apparently for the Moscow Resurrection “on Vysokoye” Monastery.

The hagiographic icons of the apostles Peter and Paul are of great interest. On the Novgorod icon of the apostles Peter and Paul with their lives (16th century), some atypical details attract attention. The Apostle Peter is dressed in a golden-colored himation, and the scroll in his left hand is fan-shaped (the right hand is folded in a nominal blessing). The Apostle Paul holds the book almost horizontally with both hands; It is difficult to read it in this position. The hagiographies contain scenes from the lives of the holy apostles, including their martyrdom: the crucifixion of the Apostle Peter on the cross headlong, that is, upside down, and the beheading of the Apostle Paul with a sword.

Thus, in the ancient Russian monuments of the iconography of the supreme apostles Peter and Paul we see not only adherence to the canon, but a variety of its interpretations, which can be traced already in the earliest images.

Bishop Nikolai of Balashikha

Source of material: magazine “Moscow Diocesan Gazette”, No. 6, 2015.

How to recognize the icon of the apostles Peter and Paul?

Holy Apostle Peter

Holy Apostle Paul

Veneration of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul

Temples and shrines associated with Peter and Paul

How do the apostles Peter and Paul help?

Probably one of the most recognizable in Christian iconography. Their features are easy to remember: Peter’s short, curly, gray beard or Pavel’s high, receding forehead. Even a person barely familiar with Tradition will always guess that “with the keys” is Peter, because it is he who meets the dead at the gates of heaven.

The iconography of these saints is quite diverse. Their images appear in Christian art very early, apparently along with the emergence of this art itself. The apostles were depicted in gospel scenes, for example, on the reliefs of early Christian sarcophagi and in the fresco cycles of the catacombs. There are also stories dedicated to their lives, for example, “The Taking of Peter into Custody” or “The Extraction of the Source of Water in the Mamertine Prison.”

There are symbolic images dedicated to the important topic of the apostles receiving spiritual power. For example, in the central part of the sarcophagus of Junius Bassus, Christ is depicted sitting on a heavenly throne, presenting the Apostles with the Law and the keys. These keys, figuratively interpreted as the keys of the gate, symbolize the right the apostles received from the Lord to judge a person’s life: “Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven; and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.”(Matt. 18:18).

There are also known individual images of the apostles, found in different types of fine art: in monumental paintings, in works of easel painting, in decorative and applied arts. Obviously, the original legend quite accurately described the appearance of the apostles Peter and Paul. In any case, the earliest surviving images convey those characteristic features that were then reproduced by artists over the centuries right up to the present day. The pronounced portrait details can be explained by the fact that the very first images were created from the words of those who saw the apostles with their own eyes, however, works of such an early period are unknown to us.

Frescoes in the catacombs of St. Thecla. 2nd floor IV – 1st half of the 5th century. Rome. Combined fragments

A special group consists of images of Peter and Paul together. In early versions, the apostles are most often depicted shoulder-length, in profile. The emergence of this iconographic variant is explained by the significance for the Church of the preaching of the supreme apostles Peter and Paul and their missionary works. In addition, the image is also connected with the circumstances of the last days and the death of the apostles, who were executed on the same day. One of the amazing monuments of early Christian art - the bottom of a glass vessel with an image made in gold - presents the theme of the heavenly glorification of the apostles. Christ crowning them is depicted between the apostles.

On the other bottom there is no image of Christ, but one large crown is placed above the profile half-figures of the apostles. The scene in which the Lord glorifies one or another saint by giving him a crown is quite common in Christian art. The image of the crown of martyrdom and holiness correlated with the theme of victory over sin and death, the theme of triumph, therefore the iconography of such a plot was borrowed from ancient art, where there was a scheme for depicting the winners of competitions and military triumphs.

The image of the apostles Peter and Paul in a single composition is also found in the decorative decoration of churches, especially in those areas where the architecture suggests a symmetrical solution.

Since the apostles were executed on the same day, their memory, accordingly, began to be celebrated by the Church on one day - July 12 (June 29 according to the Julian calendar). Liturgical practice inevitably influenced the dissemination of the “common” image of the two apostles: it is logical to create a single icon as a holiday icon, and not two separate ones.

Icon from the village of Pyalma, Pudozh district. Mid – 2nd half of the 15th century. Museum of Fine Arts of the Republic of Karelia, Petrozavodsk

In the Middle Byzantine period, certain colors of robes were “assigned” to the apostles. Peter has a blue (blue) tunic and a yellow (ochre) cloak. Pavel has a blue tunic and a cherry cloak. In Western European art, Paul is traditionally depicted with a sword, since as a Roman citizen he was not subjected to a long execution - crucifixion, but was executed by beheading. The sword in the apostle’s hand is a sign of his torment and victory over death, as is the cross, usually depicted in the hands of martyrs.

The development of the altar barrier and the subsequent emergence of a high iconostasis became the reason for the creation of many icons of the apostles Peter and Paul, which were part of the Deesis rank. One of the most famous images of this kind is the icon that has come down to us from the so-called Zvenigorod rank, created by.

Peter, Paul and Peregrina (Church Triumphant). The bottom of the funeral vessel. III century Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA

Appearance of St. ap. Peter and Paul Rev. Peter, Tsarevich Ordynsky. Late 18th – early 19th centuries. Rybinsk Historical, Architectural and Art Museum-Reserve

El Greco (Domenico Theotokopouli). Apostles Peter and Paul. 1587 – 1592 State Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg.

In 2019, on July 12, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the apostles Peter and Paul. Peter's Fast, which ends the day before, is dedicated to this holiday.

Already in the 4th century, frescoes depicting these saints were created. Beginning in the 11th century, Byzantine icons depicting Saints Peter and Paul appeared in Rus'.

Icon of the Apostles Peter and Paul

According to the iconographic tradition, in the pre-Mongol period they were depicted in full growth, standing side by side. The Apostle Paul holds a closed book, and Peter holds a rolled scroll - a symbol of his apostolic texts, a long golden staff and golden keys.

Later, the images became half-length, as, for example, on the famous “Vysotsky” rank stored in the Tretyakov Gallery. There are also hagiographic images of these saints, fraternally hugging and kissing each other. The image of the apostles Peter and Paul is kept in many Orthodox churches.

The meaning of the icon of Peter and Paul lies in the fact that they are symbols of boundless faith in the truth of the teachings of Christ. The stories of their life paths differ significantly, but their service to Christ and acceptance of martyrdom united the apostles.

What do Saints Peter and Paul ask?

Believers turn to them in difficult life situations and ask them to send them good luck in various endeavors. They also pray in front of the holy icon for confirmation in faith and its firmness, for healing from various diseases.

The Apostle Paul provides assistance in healing the mentally ill and with physical injuries. Fishermen ask Saint Peter for success in fishing.

First prayer on the Feast of Peter and Paul

“O glorification to the apostles Peter and Paul, who gave up their souls for Christ and fertilized His pasture with your blood! Hear your children's prayers and sighs, now offered by your brokenhearted hearts. Because we are darkened by lawlessness and for this reason we are covered with troubles, like clouds, but with the oil of a good life we ​​are greatly impoverished and we are not able to resist the predatory wolf who is boldly trying to plunder the heritage of God. O strength! Bear our infirmities, do not separate from us in spirit, so that we may not be separated in the end from the love of God, but protect us with your strong intercession, may the Lord have mercy on us all, for your prayers for the sake of your prayers, may He destroy the handwriting of our immeasurable sins and may He be honored with all the saints of the blessed The Kingdom and Marriage of His Lamb, to Him be honor and glory, and thanksgiving and worship, forever and ever. Amen".

Second prayer for the Day of Peter and Paul

“O holy apostles Peter and Paul, do not be separated in spirit from us, sinful servants of God (names), so that we may not be completely separated from the love of God, but protect us with your strong intercession, may the Lord have mercy on us all for your prayers, and may He destroy the immeasurable handwriting our sins, and may He, together with all the saints, make His Lamb worthy of the blessed Kingdom and marriage, to Him be honor and glory, and thanksgiving and worship forever and ever.”

Prayer three to Peter and Paul

“About the supreme Apostle: Peter, the steadfast exponent of the faith of Christ, and Paul, the sweet-talking gusset of the teachings of the Lord! We see you, like a multi-flowing river of the legends of Christ’s words, flowing from the true bowels of God and revealing the entire depth of the well of God-revealed truths to us, who thirst for them. We see you, like luminaries, from the sky currents of warmth of divine love making clear to us: we please you, who have accepted labors and sweats, in the hedgehog of all the divine teachings of the seeds: we kiss your feet, flowing around the ends of the earth, and in the trembling of sin we see your heads, humbly bowing to to the most pure feet of the Lord: one by the way of the cross (by hanging) and the other by beheading with a sword. We tenderly ask you, holy Apostles, to make us, in our rage of sin, bow before our Teacher the Lord, to cut off the pride of our head with the revealed teaching: may the Lord satisfy our spiritual hunger with the food indicated from heaven itself, like Peter: - but you, Paul, are saturated with God Christ’s words, strive to raise us to the third heaven with your unceasing prayers for us to the Lord, so that we there too may glorify from the faces of the angels and apostles the wondrous Father of all in our saints, and He who was sent into the world to save and guide us to eternal life, the Lord Jesus Christ , and the Holy Spirit consubstantial with Him. Amen".

Prayer four to the apostles Peter and Paul

“Holy Supreme Apostle Peter, the stone of faith, on Christ, the cornerstone, established in the Church by confession! Pray, and I, always shaken by intelligent thoughts and carnal lusts, on that same Christ, the living, chosen, honest Stone, ordained by faith, I am always fulfilled by love in a spiritual temple, in a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices to God to Jesus Christ. Holy Supreme Apostle Paul, chosen vessel of Christ, full of the grace and glory of God! Pray to the Creator who has power over creation, that I, now a destroyed vessel, will create for Himself a vessel in honor, sanctified and useful, prepared for every good thing. Amen".