The Iconography and the Origin of Koimesis (The Dormition of Virgin Mary) in Byzantine Art In Orthodox Byzantine Empire, Virgin Mary had been venerated with great respect due to her participation of Jesus' Incarnation and so she had been accepted as an intercessor for the salvation of the mankind. Because of her important place in Orthodox Christian faith, Virgin Mary's passing away (Koimesis) is one of the most important Orthodox feasts. The iconographic elements of the scene are Mary on her deathbed , Jesus holding Mary's soul in his arms, Mary's soul as a baby (eidolon), angels, apostles, church fathers, theologians, houses, mourning women, Jewish man who aims to attack Mary's body and an angel who cuts the Jewish man's hands.