Jesus Blessing - H.M. of Stayronikita Mount Athos

Portable icon of Jesus Christ blessing (16th century) by the hand of the hagiographer Theophanes the Cretan. The original icon is placed in the temple of the catholicon of the Holy Monastery of Stauronikita on Mount Athos.

Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the God-Man, is the second Person of the Holy Trinity. In iconography, “Jesus Christ Blessing” is usually depicted either from the waist up or in full figure. Jesus Christ is shown making with his right hand the characteristic gesture of blessing (IC XC NIKA), while in his left hand He holds the Gospel, either open or closed. Upon the halo that surrounds His head is inscribed the phrase «Ὁ Ὤν», which means «The One Who Is».This refers to the words of God spoken to Moses: «I AM WHO I AM. Thus you shall say to the children of Israel: ‘I AM has sent me to you»  (Exodus 3:13).