Orthodox icon | Christus Pantocrator as a High Priest | 24781

Orthodox icon | Christus Pantocrator as a High Priest | 24781.

Christ Pantocrator’s depiction showcases Him as the “All- or World Ruler.” This image stands as the benchmark for all icons. Christ is both the Word and the Image. He speaks mysteries and represents the unseen God.

The Council of Nicaea in 325 confirmed this. They saw Christ as the Father’s clear image. The Pantocrator image stirred debates in the Byzantine Church. John of Damascus defended it. The Western Church has the Majestas Domini, echoing worldly rulers.

In this icon, Christ appears as a High Priest. It has Western influences. He wears royal robes and a crown. A mitre adorns his head. He blesses viewers and holds a globe.

Christ Pantocrator embodies Orthodox Christian beliefs. It stresses Christ’s power over the cosmos. The High Priest portrayal links to the New Testament. Christ connects God and people, echoing Old Testament priests. The globe denotes his worldly reign, underlining Christ’s universal rule. This icon merges Eastern and Western elements, offering a distinct view of Christ.

Source: Orthodox icon | Christus Pantocrator as a High Priest | 24781 © Ikonen Mautner. Typing errors, other errors or changes reserved. For more information: “Das Synaxarion. Die Leben der Heiligen der Orthodoxen Kirche.” (http://www.prodromos-verlag.de/buecher.html) and Joachim Schäfer: Das Ökumenische Heiligenlexikon – https://www.heiligenlexikon.de