Saviour Not Made with Hands — the first image of Christ
The most ancient and revered image of the Savior is the Savior Not Made with Hands. This is an image that has been miraculously imprinted on the board. According to legend, the ruler of the city of Edessa, Abgar, who suffered from leprosy, sent an artist to Jesus Christ to paint His portrait. But seeing the king's desire, the Savior washed His face, wiped it with a handkerchief, and His face was wonderfully imprinted on the cloth.
In the history of the Church, the Uncreated image became one of the strongest arguments against the iconoclasts in the 8th century. He was a visible proof that God became human, became visible and tangible. In temple painting, the image, not made with hands, could symbolize the dogma of the Incarnation of God, reminding that Christ is the true Son of God who became man.
"He saved in His Strength": The Lord in Glory
The icon of the Savior in Power is one of the most majestic images of the Savior. Her iconography dates back to the early Byzantine mosaics of the 5th–6th centuries, where Christ was depicted surrounded by heavenly powers and symbols of the four Evangelists.
In the ancient Russian icons of the Savior in Power, the Lord sits on a throne against the background of the so–called "mandara" - a symbolic image of Divine glory, which has a diamond-shaped and oval part, indicating the unity of heaven and earth. This icon expresses the idea of the Second Coming of Christ in glory and is usually placed in the center of the Russian high iconostasis.
The Pantocrator is the Almighty
The most common image of Christ in Orthodox churches is Pantokrator, which means "Almighty" in Greek. The Lord is represented on this icon as the Provident of the world, its Savior and Judge. He is depicted with a cross-shaped halo, in a reddish chiton and a blue himation (cloak), holding a Gospel or scroll in his hand.
The image of the Almighty is often placed in the dome of an Orthodox church, as if blessing everyone who enters. One of the earliest such images in Russia is the mosaic in the dome of St. Sophia of Kiev, where Christ is surrounded by an apocalyptic rainbow.
Saved on the throne
The icon of the Savior on the Throne also depicts Christ as the King and Judge of the world. Unlike the "Savior in Power", where the Lord appears surrounded by heavenly powers, the emphasis here is on the throne itself, a symbol of royal power, reminiscent of the throne of Heaven.: "The Lord has set up his throne in heaven, and his kingdom possesses all things" (Ps. 102:19). Christ is depicted sitting on a golden or carved throne. He holds a blessing gesture in His right hand, and an open Gospel in His left. This iconography originated in the early Christian period and became widespread in Byzantine art from the 9th–10th centuries. This image was also very popular in Russia, especially in Novgorod icon painting. It recalls the Second Coming of Christ and the Last Judgment, when the Lord will sit on the throne to judge the living and the dead.
The Angel of the Great Council
In addition to historical ones, there are also allegorical depictions of the Savior. One of them is the "Angel of the Great Council." This name is borrowed from the prophecy of Isaiah: "For a child has been born to us; a son has been given to us; dominion is on his shoulders, and they will call his name Wonderful, Counselor, mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of peace" (Isaiah 9:6).
The "Angel of the Great Council" refers to the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and the "Great Council" refers to God's plan for the salvation of the world. The icon depicts an Angel with a cross-shaped halo, with a blessing right hand and the Gospel in his hand, combining the features of an angelic image and Christological iconography.
About the variety of icons of the Savior
These images are just some of the many iconographic types of Christ. There are others: "The Blessed Silence was Saved", "Emmanuel" (Christ in adolescence), "The Great Bishop" and others. Each of them reveals a certain facet of the Savior's personality. Thus, the "Great Bishop" recalls His high priestly ministry, and the "Good Silence" recalls the mystery of the Incarnation.
Every image of Christ, whether it's an ancient image Not Made with hands or the majestic "Savior in Power," is designed to remind us of God's love, His sacrifice, and our hope for salvation.