Christ Pantokrator: The Ruler of All


File:Christ Pantokrator, Cathedral of Cefalù, Sicily.jpg

Holy God,
Holy Mighty One
Holy Immortal One
Have Mercy on Us!

In Christian iconography, Christ Pantokrator refers to a specific depiction of Christ. Pantocrator or Pantokrator (from the Greek Παντοκράτωρ) is a translation of one of many Names of God in Judaism. When the Hebrew Bible was translated into Greek as the Septuagint, Pantokrator was used both for YHWH Tzevaot "Lord of Hosts" and for El Shaddai "God Almighty". In the New Testament, Pantokrator is used once by Saint Paul (2 Cor 6:18). Aside from that one occurrence, the author of the Book of Revelation is the only New Testament author to use the word Pantokrator. The author of Revelation uses the word nine times,[3] and while the references to God and Christ in Revelation are at times interchangeable, Pantokrator appears to be reserved for God alone. (Source: Wikipedia)

Brethren, may the contemplation of this icon of the Icon of God bring you joy this Third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday.