The iconography of the Fiery Ascent is based on Book 4 of Kings (I:8–25; II:9–14). Although Elijah was depicted as early as the 3rd century in the Via Latina catacomb in Rome, worship of the prophet was not particularly widespread until the reign of the emperor Basil I (867–86), who dedicated many churches to him. The scene appears in Cappadocian cave paintings.

The upper part of the icon is dominated by Elijah in his fiery chariot ascending to heaven. In the upper left-hand corner is God Sabaoth, and in the top right, the Archangel Gabriel. In the lower register Elijah is depicted in the desert sitting in front of a cave in a rocky landscape and being fed by a raven. To the right, Elijah assails the pagan priests with divine fire; below, Elijah is woken by an angel; in the centre, Elijah and his disciple Elisha cross the river Jordan; at right Elisha receives Elijah's mantle as the latter rises in his chariot.