The Church of Christ (Tserkov Kristova) is a medieval Russian thematic
icon which shows Apostles, their preaching and death. This icon is also known as The Preaching of the Apostles (Apostolskaya Propovyed).
The Christ is presented in full figured blessing with his right hand and holding an open Gospel Book in his left hand.
On either side of Christ's are an "IC" and "XC" which are the beginning Greek letters for "
Jesus Christ Conquers." In the nimbus (halo) you find three Greek letters, which look like "W O N" and form the Greek word that translates to "There is only One God."
The text in the Gospel book varies. Sometimes the text in the Gospel Book is "Come blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world" or "I am the light of the work: he that follows me shall not walk in darkness..."
At the top of the icon is the Crucifixion with the Virgin Mary, St John the Beloved, Joseph of Aramathea and the Centurion who accepted Christ.
On either side of the Crucifixion is "Communion of the Apostles" showing Christ giving the Eucharist to the Apostles. This symbolizes the institution of the sacraments of the Eucharist and Holy Orders.
The larger circle is divided into 12 parts showing each of the Apostles preaching and how they died.
A wonderful icon that teaches the early history of The Church.
GOLD FRAMED ICON with protective glass to keep this wonderful piece intact for years.
IT HAS A HOOK ON THE BACK SIDE.
SIZE: 10 1/4" x 9", thickness of the icon with the frame 1"
