Who was with Christ at the foot of the Cross?
By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-10
According to the Holy Gospels and the tradition of the Coptic Orthodox Church, several faithful followers remained at the foot of the Cross, witnessing the Crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ. While the disciples had fled—with the exception of the "Beloved Disciple"—a group of holy women remained steadfast.
At the foot of the Cross were:
- St. Mary the Virgin: Our Lady was present, fulfilling the prophecy of Simeon the Elder that a sword would pierce her soul. Even in His agony, Christ showed His care for her by entrusting her to His disciple.
- St. John the Beloved: The only male disciple recorded as being present at the foot of the Cross. It was to him that Christ said, "Behold your mother!".
- St. Mary Magdalene: A devoted follower who remained until the very end and was later the first to witness the Resurrection.
- Mary the wife of Clopas: Often identified as the sister (or close relative) of the Virgin Mary.
- Salome: The mother of the sons of Zebedee (James and John).
The Significant Figures Witnessing the Event
Beyond His immediate followers, there were two others physically present on crosses beside Him. As mentioned in Coptic historical and liturgical contexts:
- The Right-Hand Thief (The Egyptian): According to traditional accounts, the brigand on the right was an Egyptian who confessed Christ and was told, "Today you will be with Me in Paradise."
- The Left-Hand Thief (The Jew): The brigand on the left who remained in his unbelief and blasphemed the Lord.
The presence of the at the Cross is central to Coptic theology, emphasizing her role as the Mother of Sorrows who participated in the suffering of her Son through her witness. This scene is depicted in every Coptic icon of the Crucifixion, showing St. Mary on the right of Christ and St. John on the left, symbolizing the Church remaining loyal to her Bridegroom even in His death.