The two events which lie at the core of the Christian faith, the Crucifixion and Christ's Ascension into heaven (shown as the Trinity), are represented on this fine icon. On the upper left panel God the Father oversees the death of His only Begotten Son. Beginning clockwise, the Archangel Gabriel appears to the Virgin Mary to announce the immaculate conception. The next panel shows the nativity, Jesus' entry into the temple is below, followed by scenes from the life of the Holy Family. The baptism of the infant Jesus is shown on the upper portion of the right panel, and then His baptism later in life by St. John the Baptist. Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem is depicted below, with His transfiguration in the next panel. Designed to be taken on long trips, this icon served for daily private worship as an intimate expression of a simple faith; expressing through fine art the inexpressible beauty of the life of the spirit.