The traditional Byzantine depiction of the Baptism of Christ. The hills, earth, etc, seem to be ripped apart to underscore the paradox that the Christ empties himself of His Divinity to be baptized as a mortal man. Angels minister to him by holding towels in their hands. The Holy spirit is represented by a dove. (Matthew 3:16-17)
" When He had been babtized, Jesus came up immediately from the
water ; and behold , the heavens were opened to Him and He saw the
Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly
a voice came from heaven, saying
"This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" "
