Hand-Painted Icon of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Hand-Painted Icon of Our Lord Jesus Christ is a hand-painted Orthodox icon of the Lord Almighty, Christ Pantocrator, in a head-and-shoulders composition. The presented image is focused on the face of the Savior: there is no visible open Gospel or blessing hand in this sample, and the spiritual emphasis rests on Christ’s calm, merciful, and truthful gaze.

The icon is painted in the Mstyora tradition on a linden wood board with splines, pavoloka, chalk gesso, egg tempera, genuine 960-grade gold leaf, hand chasing on the gilded background, and protective lacquer. It is suitable for a home iconostasis, family prayer, church space, or meaningful Orthodox gift.

Meaning of the Icon of Our Lord Jesus Christ

The icon of the Lord Almighty, or Pantocrator, is one of the central images of Orthodox Christianity. It confesses Christ as heavenly King, righteous Judge, Savior, and wise ruler of the world. The image reminds the believer that all life is held by the power and love of God.

In the source description, this particular icon is a head-and-shoulders image of the Savior. In classical Pantocrator icons, Christ often blesses with His right hand and holds the Gospel in His left. Here the visible composition is concentrated on the face, which makes the image especially strong for home prayer and quiet contemplation.

The cross halo bears the Greek letters meaning He Who Is, a witness to the divine nature of Christ. The calm face, deep gaze, red and blue garments, gold background, and chased ornament all work together to express both divine majesty and mercy.

Symbolism in Orthodox Tradition

The name Pantocrator means that Christ holds all things. He is the Creator, Judge, and Savior. The cross in the halo points to Golgotha and the mystery through which eternal life was opened to humanity.

Red and blue garments belong to the ancient symbolic language of icons of Christ. Red recalls the humanity of Christ and His saving sacrifice; blue points to the divine, heavenly, and eternal. Together, these colors confess that Christ is true God and true Man.

The face of Christ is the heart of the icon. The gaze is not distant or sentimental. It unites truth and mercy, calling the person praying to faith, repentance, spiritual responsibility, and hope.

Artistic Features of This Icon

The icon has a luminous gold background decorated with fine chased plant ornament. The ornament frames the face and gives the image a sense of inner radiance. The Mstyora manner is visible in the soft modeling of the face, precise drawing, and balanced use of warm and cool tones.

The face is painted with smooth highlights and careful personal work. The expression combines seriousness and compassion, making the image suitable both for private prayer and for a church setting.

The gold leaf is not merely decorative. In Orthodox iconography, gold signifies divine light and the glory of the Kingdom of Heaven. The chased ornament adds solemnity while preserving the restrained prayerful character of the image.

Traditional Materials and Technique

The base is a linden wood board with inset and applied splines. Linden is a traditional icon-painting wood valued for stability and a fine, even structure. The board is prepared with pavoloka, a cloth layer, and multi-layer chalk gesso.

The image is painted with tempera on an egg-yolk emulsion. This traditional method gives the colors a noble matte depth and allows the face and garments to be built gradually in layers.

The background, halo, and ornamental elements are gilded with genuine 960-grade gold leaf. Hand chasing is used on the gold, creating a refined ornamental surface. The finished icon is protected with lacquer to preserve the paint and gilding.

Prayer Before the Lord Almighty

Before the icon of the Lord Almighty, Orthodox Christians pray for spiritual and daily needs, remembering that Christ is Lord, Savior, Judge, and merciful helper.

Before This Icon, Believers Pray:

• for strengthening of faith and spiritual responsibility;
• for help in difficult circumstances and important decisions;
• for protection of the family and peace in the home;
• for healing of soul and body;
• for repentance and forgiveness of sins;
• for blessing on work, study, travel, and good beginnings.

Where This Icon Is Appropriate

• For a home iconostasis: the image of Christ belongs at the center of the prayer corner, near the Theotokos and family saints.
• For an office or study space: as a quiet reminder of truth, responsibility, and mercy.
• As an Orthodox gift: suitable for baptism, wedding, house blessing, name day, anniversary, or a meaningful gift for a man or priest.
• For church use: suitable as an analogion icon, local icon, or part of a Deisis or iconostasis setting by request.

Icon Characteristics

Ordering, Shipping, and Payment

The icon is available in standard home sizes and larger church or iconostasis formats by request. Free international shipping is included, and payment is made after receiving the icon.

Questions and Answers

What does this Hand-Painted Icon of Our Lord Jesus Christ represent?

It represents Christ as the Lord Almighty, the Pantocrator, heavenly King, Judge, Savior, and wise ruler of the world.

Is this icon shown with the Gospel and blessing hand?

This icon features the presented sample as a head-and-shoulders image focused on the face of Christ, without the Gospel or blessing hand in the visible composition.

What is the meaning of the letters in Christ’s halo?

The Greek letters mean He Who Is, confessing the divine nature of Christ and His eternal being.

What do Orthodox Christians pray for before this icon?

They pray for strengthening of faith, help in difficult circumstances, protection of the family, healing, repentance, wisdom, and peace at home.

Where can this icon be placed?

It is suitable for a home iconostasis, prayer corner, office, study space, church, chapel, analogion, or iconostasis setting.

Is this icon suitable as an Orthodox gift?

Yes. It is suitable for baptism, wedding, house blessing, name day, anniversary, or as a meaningful gift for a man, priest, or family.

What materials are used for this icon?

The icon is painted on a linden wood board with splines, pavoloka, gesso, egg tempera, 960-grade gold leaf, hand chasing, and lacquer.

Which sizes are available?

Available sizes are 17 x 21 cm, 20 x 24 cm, 27 x 31 cm, and 30 x 40 cm. Church and iconostasis sizes can be discussed by request.

How is a hand-painted icon different from a printed reproduction?

A hand-painted icon has living brushwork, egg tempera layers, genuine gold leaf, and individual work on the face, garments, and details.

How should this icon be cared for?

Keep it away from direct sun, moisture, heat, and sudden temperature changes. Clean only with a soft dry cloth or brush.