Icon - Christ Pantocrator - Wood

This is an Eastern Orthodox icon of Jesus Christ, specifically the type known as “Christ Pantocrator” (Christ the Almighty / Ruler of All).

**Key features of this icon
1. Christ Pantocrator
This is one of the most traditional representations in Orthodox Christianity. Jesus is shown front-facing, holding:
His right hand raised in blessing (the fingers form a symbolic gesture referring to the name IC XC).
A Gospel book in His left hand.
2. The Gospel Book
The text appears to be in Church Slavonic (common in Russian icons). It often contains a verse such as:
“Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden…” (Matthew 11:28)
3. The Gold Background
Gold represents:
The divine light
Timelessness
The heavenly realm
4. The Cross Halo
Around Christ’s head is a cross halo. Inside the arms of the cross are usually Greek letters referring to:
“Ὁ ὬΝ” (“He Who Is”) — a reference to God’s name in Exodus.
5. IC XC
The abbreviations at the top mean:
IC = Iēsous (Jesus)
XC = Christos (Christ)

* Origin & Style
A Russian Orthodox icon
Possibly 19th or early 20th century
Painted on a wooden panel using tempera and gold leaf
Surrounded by decorative floral borders typical of Russian workshops
The ornate floral frame and warm gold-brown tones strongly suggest Russian Orthodox tradition.

* Spiritual Meaning
In Orthodox spirituality, an icon is:
Not merely a painting
But a “window into the divine”
Intended for prayer and contemplation