The unknown author created this icon in the 19th century. According to their life-stories (hagiography), the Saints Zosimas and Sabbatius did not meet in real life. However, both starets (monks) laid the foundation for the monkhood on Solovki islands, hence, the orthodox believers worship and portray them together.
There are several ways to depict the saints. Most often, Zosimas and Sabbatius are depicted according to the 17th century tradition: full length, facing each other, in robes and holding scrolls in their hands. The church is between them symbolizing the foundation of Solovki monastery. The artisan depicted a dove above them in the clouds with outgoing beams. This is the central canonical image of the icon. The dove refers to the narration of the four evangelists about the Epiphany of Jesus Christ and symbolizes the third hypostasis of the Holy Trinity — the Holy Spirit.
There are several ways to depict the saints. Most often, Zosimas and Sabbatius are depicted according to the 17th century tradition: full length, facing each other, in robes and holding scrolls in their hands. The church is between them symbolizing the foundation of Solovki monastery. The artisan depicted a dove above them in the clouds with outgoing beams. This is the central canonical image of the icon. The dove refers to the narration of the four evangelists about the Epiphany of Jesus Christ and symbolizes the third hypostasis of the Holy Trinity — the Holy Spirit.
