Christ Pantokrator Russian Icon
Oil on wood panel
6.5" x 6.5" x .75"


Let me share one of the more recent icons with you. The style in which it is done is not very common, at least not in the Orthodoxy of the United States. Naturalism that characterized Russian style of iconography of the 19th century still has its place in that country within the churches that are being built and restored today. While this style is often argued against, it is non the less a part of our traditions I wanted to share with you. And in the near future we will have to discuss changes in iconography over the past century as well as recent moves towards the sacred ancient traditions.


Christ Pantokrator (The All-Ruler) icon shows Christ as the Creator, the Savior and the Judge. This is the icon that is often seen in the cupola of a byzantine church, done in monumental style presenting Christ as the One who will come to judge the living and the dead. However on icons made for veneration of the faithful, while still majestic, Christ lacks any fearfulness. He is shown facing us, half-figure length. The right hand is raised in a blessing, in the left is an open Gospel (Mt 11:28-29, "Come to me all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest...). The face is gentle, with eyes looking at the viewer with kindness. The clothes are typical for an icon of Christ, red tunic and a blue cape symbolizing His two natures: he is fully human, and fully God. The letters "IC" and "XC" are first letters of "Jesus Christ." The three letters within the halo is Greek inscription that presents the name of God as given to Moses in Ex 3:14, "I am who I am". As a rule, these letters within the Christ's halo can be a good indicator whether the icon is Russian or Greek: in a Russian icon the top letter is O while in Greek it is W.