About the Icon of Christ Enthroned

This icon depicts the Lord Jesus Christ as the King of Cration, seated on His heavenly throne. He is robed in royal garments and a cross-laden stole. His right hand is raised in blessing, and He is holding the Book of Life.

Around Him are the four creatures spoken of in Revelation 4:7, "The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the forth living creature was like a flying eagle."

These four creatures have traditionally been interpreted as symbols of teh four evangelists. Matthew is the one with the face like a man, for His Gospel narrative traces Jesus' human, Jewish genealogy. Mark is the Lion, for His Gospel narrative begins with the voice of one crying in the winderness, suggesting the roar of a lion. Luke is the calf or ox, which brings to mind the animal sacrifices, since Luke stresses the atoning sacrifice of Jesus. And John is the eagle since in His Gospel narrative He rises to lofty heights in dealing with the mind of Christ. Each of the creatures are holding the Gospels which they were given to write by the Spirit of Christ and from which Christ is proclaimed for the salvation of all who believe.

Icons on this site are courtesy of:
St. Isaac of Syria Skete