THE FEAST OF CHRIST THE KING (NOV. 26TH)

Christ Pantocrator, Ruler of Everything, from Cefalu Cathedral, Sicily 

By Bp. Joseph (Ancient Church of the West)

This Sunday is celebrated in commemoration of Christ’s sovereignty and power as our creator and God in the English Tradition. It depicts the ancient truth of Christ as “Ruler Over All”, called the “Pantocrator” in the Ancient Church, celebrated within the apses and domes of countless cathedrals and church buildings around the world. Icons of “Christ Enthroned” are central to the Christian Tradition, declaring our faith is Christ’s plan for our lives, and proclaiming to all governments and cultures, that Christ is above all and is the one, true King. 

Christ the King, by Olga Shalamova

The Blessing Christ, by Fernando Gallego (1440-1507)

The Ghent Altarpiece, by Jan Van Eyck (1390-1441)

Pantocrator of St. Clement de Taull, Barcelona, Spain

Pantocrator from Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Columbus, Ohio

Jesus Christ the Returning King

The Missionary Diocese of East and Southeast Asia’s Chinese Pantocrator, called “天上皇帝”

This celebration also shows us how Christ’s power is the basis for our salvation, and that we are completely dependent upon His grace and mercy. As St. Paul says, “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)

COLLECT 

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who hast exalted thy beloved Son to be King over all worlds, and hast willed in him to make all things new: mercifully grant that the kindreds of the earth which are wounded and dispersed by sin: may speedily be knit together under his gracious sovereignty. Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen!