At the center of this intriguing icon, Jesus sits enthroned offering His blessings and holding onto an open book. To His right is the Virgin Mary, at left is St....
At the center of this intriguing icon, Jesus sits enthroned offering His blessings and holding onto an open book. To His right is the Virgin Mary, at left is St. John the Baptist, both with their heads bowed in reverence. At the left of Christ's head is the Archangel Michael and on the right the Archangel Gabriel. Their wings are barely visible as they bend forward as if to hear every syllable of Christ's words. Prostrate at Jesus' feet are various Russian saints of Episcopal rank. The multicolored background, like stained glass windows, makes it seem Christ is within the real world, as if in a church, and yet removed into a supernatural realm. The feeling of worship coming from canonized mortals and angelic beings alike, gives this icon a sense of joy; with a touch of the mysteries inherent in Christianity.