On this icon, set against a rich blue and white background, Christ offers His blessings with His right hand raised, while holding onto a book. The text reads,'And those who...
On this icon, set against a rich blue and white background, Christ offers His blessings with His right hand raised, while holding onto a book. The text reads,"And those who suffered, the needy ones who prayed to me, will achieve eternal peace." An inscription on both sides of Christ's shoulders states, "Lord Jesus Christ, Theocrator". Jesus' garments are very carefully modelled and quite elaborate, as is His very neat beard and hair. The use of a zigzag line for the halo gives the impression of vibrating energy, as if we are seeing Christ after the Resurrection, halfway between the human and divine. The intensity in His eyes emphasizes this point, and makes us feel we are in the presence of someone beyond this early realm, who is also compassionate and loving.