Revelation 6:12Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Some have referred these words to the devastation under Vespasian, taking them in a figurative sense. But we think this speaks of the transition from the period of persecutions to the time of the coming of Antichrist. According to the prophecies, at that time these and similar plagues are to occur. By reflecting on them, men should not deny the punishments brought upon them by Antichrist, which, as we know, have never yet occurred. The earthquake, often mentioned by Scripture, signifies a change of affairs. The expression "Yet once more I will shake" (Hag 2:7) means, as the Apostle says, the alteration of what can be shaken (Heb 12:26-27). In the Old Testament, concerning Israel's march, it is said: "The earth shook, for the heavens dropped" (Ps 67:9). The blackening of the sun and the dark-blood appearance of the moon signify, according to blessed Cyril's explanation, the darkness of soul that overtakes those struck by God's wrath.

The opening of the sixth seal secures our perfect salvation. It overthrew death, restored life, and stripped the conqueror of men of his crown, openly triumphing over him. It accords with what is written: "The Only-begotten ascended on high, led captivity captive, and received gifts for men" (Ps 67:19). What, then, is the opening of the sixth seal? It is the Cross and death of the Lord, the Resurrection and Ascension, awaited by every creation, both noetic and bodily. They opened for us "a new and living way," an ascent from destruction to life "through the veil, that is, His flesh" (Heb 10:19-20). This benefitted not only the living, but also those who had died before.

The Church is destined to shed more blood than usual for Christ. John speaks of something great, because in the last times there will be an earthquake over the whole earth. Before this, as Scripture says, earthquakes will occur in various places (cf. Mt 24:7).

Was it not from these temptations that the Lord promised to preserve the Church of Philadelphia, the sixth in order among His messages to the Churches? Beneath the figurative prophetic language lies a meaning no less mysterious. By earthquake one usually understands a change in the existing order of things. The sun signifies life. The moon is the reflection of this life in something else. The stars are bright personalities, rulers of minds and hearts. Heaven is the veil over the mystery, a barrier. Mountains and islands signify certain unshakable foundations. Nothing other than madness can describe the desire to hide behind perishable matter from the two-edged spiritual sword.