This window is
centered on the icon of Christ the Pantokrator (he who creates/rules all). This icon, where the divine and
majestic beauty of the lord Jesus is wonderfully portrayed in his human nature,
represents the synthesis of the first ecumenical councils and the church
fathers, by successfully portraying both the splendor of Jesus' humanity and
the brilliance of his divinity. Christ is clothed in a brilliant red tunic and
covered by a royal blue cloak. The two colors reflect his twofold nature, while
the gold entirely surrounding his body call attention to his person as the
second person of the Holy Trinity. A golden stole the symbol of his eternal
priesthood, falls from his right shoulder. His majestic and serene head is
surrounded by a brilliant yellow halo in which is a red cross that represents
the shedding of his blood on the cross roe our redemption. At the sides of his
head are two Greek diliterals JS Ð CT (in the Greek alphabet}, which represents
his name Jesus - Christ. Just below these letter are the Greek letters alpha
and omega, Which Jesus used to describe himself as the beginning and end of all
things. His right hand, with the thumb and ring finger touching each other (to
signify the two natures of Christ in the unity of his person) is portrayed as
giving a typical gesture of blessing. His left hand holds the open book of the
Gospels, which are the heart of all scripture because they are the principle
witness to the life and teaching of Jesus.
Directly above the
Pantokrator icon is an image of a dove, which represents the Holy Spirit
descending on Jesus. Just below the dove are seven flames of fire, which
represents the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding,
knowledge, counsel, fortitude, piety, and fear of the Lord. Above the Holy
Spirit are three large flames, which represent the three theological virtues of
Faith, Hope and Love, which are infused in us at baptism by the Holy Spirit. At
the outer edge of the window are twenty small light blue circles/beads that
represent the twenty mysteries of the rosary, which is a contemplative prayer
on the life of Jesus on earth and of his glory now in heaven. Below the central
icon is an image of adoration of Christ in the Eucharist. The Eucharistic Jesus
in a monstrance is being worshiped and contemplated by two angels.