Christ in Glory Icon

Original Jesus Christ Blessing Saints Square Icon with 925 Sterling Silver ornaments - painted on wood. Special Icon! Size 30 x 30 cm (12 x 12 inches), made in Greece*. 

This is a Christian icon in the Byzantine style showing  Jesus Christ in glory surrounded by important biblical symbols. It combines two classic themes: Christ in Majesty and the Four Evangelists.

1. The Center – Christ Enthroned
In the middle is Jesus Christ, seated on a throne above the world (the sphere under His feet).
Key meanings:
Hand gesture – a blessing gesture.
Halo with cross – shows His divine nature.
Partially open robe – in some icons, it symbolizes His human nature and the wounds of the Passion.
The globe under His feet – Christ as Lord of the universe.
This theme is often called “Christ Pantocrator” (Greek: Ruler of All).
2. Left Side – The Virgin Mary
To Christ’s left is the Virgin Mary.
She appears in a prayerful position.
In Byzantine iconography, she often intercedes for humanity before Christ.
Her deep red robe symbolizes:
royalty
suffering
motherhood
3. Right Side – The Beloved Disciple
On Christ’s right is most likely John the Evangelist holding a book.
The book represents the Gospel message.
In many icons, Mary and John together form a Deesis composition, meaning they plead for mercy for humanity.
4. The Four Creatures Around Christ
Around Christ, you see four symbolic creatures. These represent the Four Evangelists who wrote the Gospels.
Creature
Evangelist
Meaning
Angel / Man
Matthew the Apostle
Christ’s human nature
Lion
Mark the Evangelist
courage, resurrection
Ox / Bull
Luke the Evangelist
sacrifice
Eagle
John the Evangelist
divine vision
These symbols come from the vision in the Book of Ezekiel and Revelation.
5. The Small Angels
At the bottom, the small angels appear to be supporting the globe (the world) under Christ’s feet.
This symbolizes that heaven itself serves Christ’s authority over creation.
 Overall meaning of the icon:
Christ rules the universe, witnessed by the Gospel writers, while Mary and John intercede for humanity.
Because you work with Christian spiritual items (like on Jerusalem Spirit), icons like this are often sold as “Christ in Majesty with the Tetramorph.