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The Iconography of Christ
by Dr. James C. Rouman
From His humble birth in a cave to His Crucifixion and Ascension, the life of Jesus Christ is graphically displayed within Orthodox churches through the richness of Byzantine iconography. Originally intended to educate catechumens and to inspire those who were already believers, the visual representation of our Lord's life as seen in our churches continues to offer through the ages a ready catechism for persons worshiping in our spaces. Noteworthy moments in the life of Jesus, the portrayal of religious and historical events as well as images of saints, all contribute to a concise theology of our Orthodox faith and are ours to view in the art of the church.
There are, however, specific depictions of Christ in Orthodox iconography that call for our attention, and foremost among them is the Pantocrator invariably painted in the ceiling of the nave and under the dome if one is present. Here we see the image of Christ looking down upon us as Lord of the Universe visible often as a stern judge to whom all must render account. Emphasizing His cosmic role rather than the Incarnation, the Greek letters for "the One" are inscribed in the halo around Christ's head. His blessing hand is turned inward toward His heart while the other holds the open book of the Gospels, where sometimes is inscribed the passage from Matthew 11.28,30 "Come to me all who labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest".
On the back of the bishop's throne one sees an image of Christ enthroned - again blessing with one hand and holding with the other an open book of Scripture. Here our Lord appears in pontifical vestments uniting the qualities of King and Great High Priest, and upon His head rests a royal crown signifying His status as head of the Church and ruler of the universe.
In all Orthodox churches we can observe Christ in three other constant locations. Always on the iconostasis to the right of the Royal Door He is visible as a strong and upright figure of the living incarnate Lord. To the left of the Royal Door He appears as an infant in His mother's arm, and again within the bosom of the Theotokos in the Platytera on the wall of the center apse of the Sanctuary behind the Holy Table.
Above the Royal Door on the iconostasis a space is customarily reserved for a depiction of the first Eucharistic Celebration with Christ and His assembled apostles. Often, though not present in our cathedral of St. George, is found the compelling presentation of the Deesis, wherein Christ is enthroned in an elevated position with the Theotokos to His right and St. John the Baptist on the left. Both with empty, outstretched hands in prayer are interceding for humanity to Him, who came to redeem the world and in whose plan of salvation they each had a central part to play.
Other depictions of Christ's life portrayed in our churches are the Nativity Scene always recessed behind the Holy Table and to the left at the site of the Prothesis, while on the walls in some chronological order one sees His Presentation in the Temple, the Theophany, the Entry into Jerusalem, the Crucifixion, the Descent into Hades, the Ascension of our Lord and finally His Transfiguration.
Thus, through Orthodox iconography we are brought face to face with the fundamentals of our belief as the life of Christ is laid before us to view, experience and revere.