The word Pantocrator literally means “Ruler of all” in Greek. It most often refers to a specific icon of Jesus Christ holding a gospel book and giving a blessing, thus portraying Him as the Righteous Judge and Lover of Mankind, both at the same time. By tradition, this particular icon is located within the main dome of the temple to show the union of heaven and earth, and reflecting the fact that “God is with us.” Because our church has no dome, this icon prominently resides at the top center of the eastern arch directly above the iconostas.
