Christ Pantocrator

Christ Pantocrator means “ruler” or “judge” - who rules overall.  Usually the icon is on the ceiling of the church or on the iconostasis, also known as the altar screen facing the people.  It is from this vantage point that Christ watches over or face all who enter the church.  He always holds His right hand in blessing and in His left hand He holds the book of the Gospels.  If the book is closed, it signifies the time of the Final Judgement.  The halo contains in Greek the phrase - “He Who Is” - signifying Christ’s deity.  His blue cloak symbolizes His humanity from His Incarnation while His red tunic represents His divinity from all eternity.