Lamentations

During Holy Week in the Orthodox Church, we experience the Lamentations service in which there is the Lamentations of the Theotokos, where the Most Pure Mother grieves the crucifixion of her Son.

For years, my heart has been pierced by the power of the words used in this service. I've had images in my head where the Theotokos is crying for her Son, unaware of what she should do now. I wanted to depict that in my beloved storytelling form of comics. 

The focus on this Lamentation is to show in new ways, the depth of sorrow for God's sacrifice, but should never be outweighed by the hope of the resurrection to come. 

In such a mournful moment, I wanted to show Saint John the Apostle comforting the Most Pure Lady. When we hear the words of the lamentation, we so badly want to give comfort or to BE comforted. Jesus's instructions for St. John to care for His own Mother can often be forgotten.