Who is holding whom — and does your rescue depend on your grip? In the Anastasis Fresco from Istanbul's Chora Church, Professor Courtney Tomaselli guides us into a vigorous, almost breathtaking encounter with the risen Christ shattering the gates of death. This prayer begins with the most undeserving — and finds that they are the first ones raised.

Use this guide for prayer and contemplation. Read slowly, pausing as needed for silence and reflection.

Opening

Begin by taking a deep breath, and slowing yourself down.

Release that breath gently. Let your shoulders soften. Allow a moment of quiet to settle in you.

Reflection on Contemplative Prayer

This is not the normal depiction of the resurrection that we often see in the West. Here Christ bursts through the gates of death, shattering them, and drawing humanity with him. He will not let them go.

As you gaze, consider what it means to be so vigorously rescued—and what prayers you might lift in response.

Text for Reflection

Ancient homily for Holy Saturday

The risen Christ descends into the underworld and calls to Adam and Eve:

“I command you: awake, sleeper.

I have not made you to be held a prisoner in the underworld.

Arise from the dead.

I am the life of the dead.

Arise, O human being, work of my hands.

Arise, you who are fashioned in my image.

Rise—let us go hence; for you in me and I in you, together we are one undivided person.”

Artwork for Prayerful Reflection

Anastasis (Harrowing of Hell) — Fresco from the Chora Church/Chora Monastery, Istanbul (early 14th century).

Allow this image to be a gateway to heaven. You are not just looking at beautiful art; you are being brought into Christ’s presence through the Holy Spirit.

Reflection Questions

What word or phrase seems important to you today?

Hold on to those words as you look at the Anastasis fresco.

As you gaze at this image, what words do you have for Christ?

What words does Christ have for you?

Pause for a moment and simply enjoy being with Christ.

Now allow your conversation to go deeper. What more do you have to say?

What more does God have to say to you?

Is there anything more that needs to be said by either of you?

Take one more minute for conversation, or simply to sit in peaceful silence with God.

Closing

As you finish your prayer, remember the victory of Christ over death—the strong, reclaiming love that reaches into the deepest places and draws us into life. May you be encouraged, strengthened, and comforted in God’s presence. Amen.