The word Pantocrator and the idea behind it appear in the book of Revelation. Revelation 1:18 states, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Lord Who is, Who was and Who is to come, the “Pantocrator” (Almighty). It is a common theme with Byzantine icons. The icon of Christ is flanked on all sides by the four Evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Christ's icon has a golden background, which symbolizes His divine nature. The Evangelists have purple backgrounds, which can symbolize royalty, and show the glory these saints deserve.
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Orthodox Ceiling
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