Orthodox Icon of Father God
$1000
27×31 cm (approx. 10.6 x 12.2 inches)
The Icon of the Savior Almighty (Pantocrator) is the central image of Orthodox iconography, embodying the dogma of the Incarnation and the omnipotence of Jesus Christ. Before this image, prayers are offered for the healing of ailments, comfort in sorrow, forgiveness of sins, and protection from evil. The presented hand-painted icon is created in the strict canons of the Mstyora school: painted with mineral tempera on a linden wood board with oak splines. The rich floral ornament on the margins and the golden halo are executed using genuine 23-karat (960 standard) gold leaf and delicate manual chasing. Available to order in sizes 27×31 cm, 30×40 cm, as well as in custom iconostasis formats.
It is possible to paint an image in any size to order
Free shipping worldwide
The icon of the Savior Almighty, also known as Pantocrator (from the Greek “Ruler of All,” “Almighty”), is a fundamental and the most elevated image of Jesus Christ in the Orthodox tradition. This iconographic type occupies a central place in church frescoes, home iconostases, and in the heart of every believer. It symbolizes the Heavenly King and Judge, uniting within Himself both divine and human natures.
In the presented icon, the Lord is depicted half-length in traditional garments: a red chiton, symbolizing His human nature and shed blood, and a blue himation, indicating His divine, heavenly essence. The Savior’s right hand is folded in a blessing gesture, while in His left, He holds an open Gospel with words calling for spiritual salvation and divine love. The halo is adorned with a cross and Greek letters meaning “The Existing One” (I AM).
History and Theology of the Pantocrator Image
The origins of the Pantocrator iconography trace back to Byzantium in the 4th–6th centuries. The oldest surviving depiction of this type is considered to be the encaustic icon of Christ Pantocrator from Saint Catherine’s Monastery on Mount Sinai (mid-6th century). The image originated as the most elevated depiction of the God-Man, and after the adoption of Christianity, it spread widely in ancient Russia as the main subject of church fresco painting and as a central prayer icon.
The dogmatic significance of the icon is immense. The title “Almighty” expresses the Lord’s omnipotence, His authority over the created world and human destinies. The icon serves as a reminder of the Second Coming and the Last Judgment, but at the same time, the face of Christ is filled with mercy, love, and prayerful contemplation.
What the Icon of the Savior Helps With
Prayer before the icon of the Savior Almighty is the most direct and sincere communication of a human soul with God. People turn to this image in all life circumstances, asking for mercy, protection, and guidance on the true path.
- Healing of ailments: Christ is asked to grant spiritual and physical strength to fight severe bodily illnesses and mental anguish.
- Comfort in sorrow: In moments of despair, grief, and severe life trials, prayer helps one find inner peace, hope, and the meaning of life.
- Forgiveness of sins: Before the Almighty, believers bring deep repentance for committed mistakes, bad thoughts, and actions, asking for the cleansing of the soul.
- Protection from evil: Sincere prayer creates an invisible shield protecting a person and their home from deceit, cruelty, demonic temptations, and unforeseen disasters.
- Preservation of peace: The image helps to resolve complex conflicts, find harmony in the family, and direct thoughts toward goodness.
Creation Technology: Mstyora Tradition, Chasing, and Enamels
The presented icon of the Savior is painted by masters in strict accordance with the canons of ancient Russian iconography and the traditions of the Mstyora school. The base is a sturdy board made of well-dried linden wood, reinforced on the back with inlaid oak splines that prevent the wood from deforming. A linen pavoloka is glued to the front surface, over which several layers of chalk levkas (gesso) are applied and polished to flawless smoothness.
The face and garments themselves are painted with natural egg tempera, created from ground mineral pigments. This ancient technology ensures incredible longevity and a deep inner glow of the colors. The Savior’s garments are also detailed with shell gold (assist), which symbolizes the presence of the uncreated Divine light.
Special attention should be paid to the rich decorative finishing of the icon. The background, halo, and wide margins are covered with 23-karat (960 standard) gold leaf. To give the icon an exceptional majesty, a complex jewelry technique of manual chasing (engraving) on levkas is applied: using special punches, the masters create a three-dimensional relief floral pattern on the golden surface. The beauty of the chased ornament is accentuated by painting with colored enamels in traditional red-green tones, giving the image a special solemnity and completeness.
Icon Characteristics
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Iconographic Type | Savior Almighty (Pantocrator), half-length depiction |
| Base Material | Solid linden wood, counter-facing oak splines |
| Primer | Linen pavoloka, natural chalk levkas (gesso) |
| Painting Technique | Egg tempera, natural mineral pigments |
| Gilding | 23-karat (960 standard) gold leaf, shell gold (assist) |
| Decorative Finishing | Manual chasing on gesso, colored enamels on margins |
| Available Sizes | 27×31 cm, 30×40 cm, and custom iconostasis sizes |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What does the name “Pantocrator” mean?
Translated from Greek, “Pantocrator” means “Ruler of All” or “Almighty.” This indicates the omnipotence of Jesus Christ and His authority over the entire created world.
2. Why is Christ depicted in red and blue garments?
The red chiton symbolizes His human nature and the martyr’s blood shed for people. The blue himation (outer cloak) signifies His divine, heavenly, and incomprehensible essence.
3. What does the gesture of the Savior’s right hand mean?
The Lord’s right hand is folded in a blessing gesture. The fingers are arranged to form the Greek letters IC XC (Jesus Christ), symbolizing the transmission of divine grace to believers.
4. What does prayer before the icon of the Savior Almighty help with?
Before this image, people pray for the healing of severe illnesses, comfort in sorrow, forgiveness of sins, protection from all evil, and the preservation of peace and harmony in the family.
5. Where is the correct place to put this icon in the home?
The icon of the Savior Almighty is the principal one in a home iconostasis. It should be placed in the center of the “beautiful corner.” To its right (from the worshiper’s perspective), an icon of the Mother of God is usually placed.
6. What wood is the icon board made of?
The base of the icon is made of high-quality, well-dried linden wood. The back of the board is reinforced with oak splines, which prevent it from warping due to humidity fluctuations.
7. What paints are used to paint the face?
The icon is painted in the traditional technique of egg tempera. The paints are created manually by grinding natural mineral pigments into an egg yolk emulsion.
8. What is chasing on levkas?
It is a complex jewelry decoration technique. Using special tools (punches), the master presses a relief pattern onto the chalk ground (levkas) covered with sheets of gold leaf.
9. Is real gold used on the icon?
Yes, we exclusively use premium 23-karat (960 standard) gold leaf to gild the backgrounds, halo, and chased patterns. The Savior’s garments are painted with shell gold.
10. What sizes can I order this image in?
This icon is available to order in sizes 27×31 cm and 30×40 cm. Our masters can also paint the image in any large iconostasis dimensions to meet the custom requirements of your church or home.
| Name | Jesus |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 27x31cm (10.6×12.2 in) |
