By Fr. Gabriel Baltes, OSB
Special to the Catholic Herald

Icon of Christ Pantocrator on view in cathedral

SUPERIOR--Currently enshrined in the apse of the cathedral is a cartoon rendering of Christ the Pantocrator. This temporary image is in place to demonstrate one of the intended enhancements recommended by the cathedral preservation and enhancement committee. Once this image is approved, it will be removed from the apse and sent to Italy where professional mossaicists will translate it from paper to the glass tessera tiles which are the medium for mosaics. It will then be permanently mounted in the cathedral apse.

The Cathedral of Christ the King is a Romanesque basilica style church building which, historically, often featured an image of Christ in the main apse above the altar area. At one time the Superior cathedral had a mural of Christ the King surrounded by angels in its apse, but this was removed in the most recent renovation.

This proposed image for the cathedral is in the style of an icon -- an art form developed in late antiquity in countries such as Byzantium (Constantinople), Russia, Eastern Europe and the Middle East. As religious art icons attempt to portray theological truths and sacred mysteries rather than photographic realism. The figures in icons are deliberately stylized and otherworldly in appearance -- beings who have been divinized by grace and now invite the viewer into this heavenly and intimate relationship with God.

Because of their highly sacramental character, icons are more than pious images intended to inspire faith. They are more properly understood as windows to the divine which allow a certain access to the one who is depicted. Iconographers (those who create icons) are said to "write" rather than "paint" their work since icons are visual proclamations which, like the Scriptures themselves, reveal the mysteries of Christianity.

The title pantocrator is reserved for Christ alone. It is derived from Greek and can be translated, "Lord of Creation," "King of Glory" or "Ruler of All." As an image, it attempts to portray Jesus in both his humanity and divinity. Christ the Pantocrator is featured with a large gold halo surrounding his head with cross-like lines through it. Sometimes Greek letters are inscribed in this halo representing the words heard by Moses at the burning bush when God revealed the sacred name "I am who I am" or simply "the Being."

Christ's right hand is extended in a gesture of blessing with his fingers forming the Greek letters IC XC, which abbreviate the name and title "Jesus Christ." This arrangement of the fingers is also a teaching tool with the thumb, fourth and fifth fingers joined to represent the Holy Trinity and the two remaining fingers symbolizing the dual nature of Christ (divine and human).

The Gospel book which he holds in his left hand reminds the viewer that Christ is the eternal word of the Father whose good news of salvation is guarded and proclaimed by his body the church.

Baltes is director of the diocesan Office of Worship and co-chair of the cathedral preservation and enhancement core committee.

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© Superior Catholic Herald, 2003