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The title “Ruler of All" is the English equivalent for the Greek Pantocrator. It expresses the central reality of the Christian faith: the Divine Majesty, the creator and Ruler of all the world, has been made flesh and therefore visible to us in the person of Christ Jesus our Redeemer. The quotation in the icon comes from the Book of Revelation 1:8 which reads, “I am the Alpha and the Omega... who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." The circular frame invokes the idea of eternity, and when contemplating this image, one is reminded of God’s plan and work in the life of every human creature.
Wood-mounted icons are on 5/8" ProWood® Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) with a wood-look foil finish, with tee-slots milled in the back for easy hanging. Icons are finished in classic cherry to replicate the traditional icon red, in keeping with Byzantine tradition. (Ancient icon board edges were frequently coated with red bole, a form of clay). Each mounted icon comes with a descriptive pamphlet explaining the symbolism and history of the image.
Please allow 5-10 business days for orders of 20 or more icons.
Our icon designs are also available as unmounted prints in sanctuary-size enlargements up to 38 inches wide. The latest technology enables enlargement without sacrificing quality. We do not currently have the ability to mount these prints on wood or any other material. You may purchase your own frame from a custom frame shop. Call 800-889-0105 for pricing and ordering.
The title “Ruler of All” is the English equivalent for the Greek Pantocrator. It expresses the central reality of the Christian faith: the Divine Majesty, the creator and Ruler of all the world, has been made flesh and therefore visible to us in the person of Christ Jesus our Redeemer. The oldest known icon of Christ Pantocrator was written in the sixth century and preserved in the monastery of St. Catherine in the Sinai desert. The remote location enabled the image to survive the destruction of most icons during the iconoclastic era in Byzantine history (726 to 815 AD). Our reproduction is of a contemporary icon, akin in style to numberless Christ Pantocrator icons produced over the last 1500 years. On the inside of the central dome in Orthodox churches is frequently found an immense mosaic or painting of Christ Pantocrator. The image typically found in church domes is very stern and formidable, expressing in full force the concept of "Ruler of All." Sr. Mary Charles painted this icon for the Twelve Holy Apostles Orthodox church in Duluth, Minnesota. The original is massive in size, inspiring awe in the faithful. Although this reproduction comes to you in a much smaller format, it nevertheless evokes an attitude of reverence.
In this image of Christ Pantocrator, Jesus is presented in a half length pose, looking directly at the viewer, with his left hand holding the Sacred Word and his right hand raised in blessing. He is dressed in the traditional garb of tunic and cloak. His cloak, called in Greek a himation, is dark blue signifying the mystery of His divine life. His tunic is a bright crimson red to signify His human flesh.
Typically, Christ holds a Bible in his left hand that is open to display a passage from the Gospels. A variety of scriptural passages and languages are used in Pantocrator icons. The most common is Matthew 11:28, "Come to me all you that are weary..." However, in Sr. Mary Charles’ icon the Book is open to Revelation 1:8, which reads, “’ I am the Alpha and the Omega’…who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
The arrangement of fingers on Jesus’ right hand raised in blessing is significant. The thumb, ring finger and little finger are bent together symbolizing the divine and human natures of Christ, while the forefinger and slightly bent middle finger are held upright.
Christ's halo, the iconographic symbol for sanctity, is inscribed with a cross and the Greek letters omicron, omega, nu, spelling "HO ON." In English, this becomes "The Existing One," the second half of the name used for God in Exodus 3:14 which is traditionally translated from Hebrew to English as "I Am Who Am." The abbreviated Greek form of the name Jesus Christ, "IC XC,” appears around the head of Our Lord. The head is the “true icon” and thus the name appears there.
The face of Jesus follows ancient traditions. The eyes are large and open, looking directly into the soul of the viewer. The nose is long and slender, contributing a look of nobility. The mouth is small and closed in the silence of contemplation. The hair is curled and flowing, recalling the endless flow of time. The neck and body are powerful reminders of His strength and majesty. The circular frame invokes the idea of eternity, and as one contemplates this image, one is reminded of God’s plan and work in the life of every human creature.
