Canadian-made quality copy, mounted on wood. 

About this Icon: 

The most important Christian icon is Christ Pantocrator. This image portrays Jesus as the world’s sovereign ruler. Christ Pantocrator was one of the oldest images of Jesus.

The Meaning—Almighty Ruler

The word Pantocrator means “Almighty,” or “All-powerful.” In the Greek version of the Old Testament (LXX), pantocrator is the translation of “Lord of Hosts” and “God Almighty.” In the book of Revelation, pantocrator appears nine times as a title that emphasizes God’s sovereignty and power. 

The icon Christ Pantocrator emphasizes Jesus’ omnipotence, his power to do anything. Jesus is the “Ruler of All” who sustains all things. The symbolism of Christ Pantocrator (explained below) borrows from Roman imperial imagery to project his sovereign power. Early Christians used cultural symbols to proclaim the sovereign power of the resurrected Christ.

Moreover, the location of Christ Pantocrator in the apse (the wall of the front sanctuary) also carries theological meaning. Byzantine churches were patterned after the Roman basilica—the king’s chamber for holding court. The apse was the position of authority where the ruling official sat. Jesus’ position in the apse declares that he is the legitimate ruler and sovereign judge over all. Or to use the Greek word, he is pantocrator.

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