Description
Leo the Great and the confession of Christ
Pope Leo I led the Church of Rome from 440 to 461. His letter known as the Tome to Flavian was received at the Council of Chalcedon in 451, which affirmed that the one person of Christ is truly divine and truly human. Honored as a Doctor of the Church, Leo joined doctrinal teaching with pastoral care in a city affected by invasion and poverty.
The icon presents Leo frontally with white hair and a short white beard. He holds an ornamented Gospel book against his chest, with one hand resting on its cover. The broad white omophorion marked with red crosses identifies his episcopal ministry. This Eastern-style vesture depicts him as a bishop of the ancient Church rather than as a modern pope in a tiara.
The Gospel book provides a concrete focus for reflection on his preaching and his defense of the Incarnation. The image can accompany study of the early councils or serve as a devotional image in a rectory, study, or home prayer space.
Made in Poland on linden wood
Art Christiana makes this icon to order on a linden-wood board with two coats of primer. The image is printed directly onto the prepared surface and finished with decorative gold-tone metal leaf (schlagmetal). A certificate bearing the production year and a hanging fixture are attached to the back.