Icon "Christ Pantocrator"

The icon "Christ Pantocrator" (from the Greek pantokratōr — "ruler of all," "almighty") is the central image in the iconography of Christ, representing him as Heavenly King and Judge.

The icon belongs to the so-called "folk" type.

Against a dark-green background, the icon shows a half-length image of Jesus Christ in a three-quarter turn to the left, holding the Gospel in his right hand, turned toward the viewer, and pointing to the text with his left hand. Christ has long hair falling to his shoulders and a small beard framing his face; he wears a red chiton and a dark-blue himation; around his head is a halo in the form of a radiant glow. The figure of Christ is stately and freely posed. His head is inclined. He is smiling. In the upper corners of the icon are the inscriptions "IIS" (left) and "KHRS" (right) [Jesus Christ]. The icon's frame is a band of red.

The icon's coloring is rich, its forms soft and volumetric. The influence of Baroque painting is evident. The icon is painted on canvas mounted on a panel with two inset end battens.

The icon was created in the early 20th century. It was acquired by the museum in 1995 from O. V. Afonin of Kharkiv.

Legend: the icon "Christ Pantocrator" is a characteristic example of Ukrainian Baroque art. This type was widespread in Ukraine, particularly in the iconostases of village churches, where classical canons were combined with local artistic traditions.

The chief needs and requests with which the faithful turn to Christ Pantocrator are forgiveness of sins and cleansing, protection from dark forces and temptation, safekeeping and peaceful sleep, healing and comfort, and prayer for loved ones.