The scene illustrates the text of one of the most famous hymns in honor of the Mother of God, which has entered many liturgical rites. ‘Axion estin’ is traditionally read during the Divine liturgy of St. John Chrysostom between the prayer of the calling of the Holy Spirit for the consecration of the Holy Gifts and the sacrament of communion. In accordance with the four-part structure of the chants, the fresco composition is divided into four stamps, which are read from left to right, first on the western slope, then on the east. In each stamp, the Mother of God with the baby Christ is presented in a round glory supported by angels, under it are prophets, apostles, angels and saints who offer the prayers to the Purest Virgin. A complex version of iconography ‘Axion estin’ with a multi-part division of the composition was formed in the Russian art of the first half of the 16th century. It refers to the symbolic and dogmatic direction in icon painting.

Full name: ‘Axion estin’ (‘It is Truly Meet’)
Creation Time: 1641
Technique: Fresco, Tempera
Location: Northeastern Vault (western and eastern slope)