Orthodox icon | Christ Pantocrator | 24933

The depiction of Christ Pantocrator, the “Almighty“ or “all-powerful”” is considered the archetype of all icons. Through the Incarnation, Christ himself is the word and the image, the word of inexpressible mysteries and the image of the invisible God. At the Council of Nicea in 325 it was affirmed that Christ is the visible and perfect image of the Father. The image of the Pantocrator becomes a symbol of the iconoclast in the Byzantine Church. John of Damascus, among others, defended the portrayal. In the Western Church there is a similar motif, more reminiscent of secular rulers, the Majestas Domini (“Glory of the Lord”).

The undergarment (chiton) is often red or gold, the overgarment (himation) is usually blue or rarely green (divine colors: red/white/gold, earthly colors: blue/green/brown).

On the icon Christ is shown blessing, with the open Gospel: “Come, you who are blessed by my Father…” (Matthew 25:34).

On the edge:

• Saint Martyr Timothy, co-worker of the Apostle Paul, first bishop of Ephesus (January 22).
• Saint Venerable Anthony “the Great”, hermit, father of monks (January 17).
• Saint Great Martyr Nazarius, Messenger of the Faith (October 14).
• Saint Venerable Theodosius “the Great”, monk, hermit, founder of a monastery (January 11).
• Saint Venerable Michael of Klops Monastery, Fool for Christ (January 11).
• Saint Great Martyr Theodore Tiron (February 17).

Poliment gilded background. Gold painting on the robes.