The principal icon in the Orthodox Church for the Feast of the Resurrection is the so-called Descent of Christ into Hades. However, the icon of the Myrrhbearer Women at the Tomb is a subtle and wonderful counterpart of what happened “above ground.” It often forms a part of the “festal tier” of the Orthodox iconostasis, where separate icons depict the accounts of the Crucifixion and Resurrection in detail. It also figures in fresco cycles. The icon depicts the women arriving at the empty grave with oils and spices at the break of dawn and their encounter with the radiant Angel announcing the Resurrection. The women are named, yet each Gospel gives slightly different accounts. Similarly, two evangelists speak of one Angel, the others of two. These Angels are traditionally depicted quite large, representing the presence of the risen Lord and his Light. During the painting of this icon, the iconographer will be invited to enter into the overall joyous tone of the icon, the essence of the Christian faith. For advancing students, there will also be opportunity to study the gorki, or unique mountain formations of the Byzantine style, which speak of the ascetic “ascent” of the believer on high. So also the “cave” of the tomb, representing the depth and mystery of the spiritual life and the divine world.