Christ is seen here seated on a throne in the role as "Pantocrator," or supreme judge of the world. He holds an open book while offering His blessings. Though His face is stern, His eyes are full of compassion. Surrounding Him, clockwise from middle left, is the Virgin Mary, Archangel Michael, Saints John, Peter, Paul, Nicholas, Archangel Gabriel, and John the Baptist ('the Forerunner'), with local saints prostrating themselves at Christ's feet. Those standing all have their heads bowed in reverence, beseeching Christ to intercede for the dammed. Their faces are full of expression, subtly revealing emotion from within, giving the icon a feeling of humility and piety, albeit with an underlying sense of exaltation.