The icon shows Saint John Chrysostom, a sanctifier, prophet, and important Early Church Father. The painter showed John in pursuance of the tradition, that is, full-length in his sanctifier’s vestment with an elaborate exquisite ornament. In his left hand, he holds the Gospel book, and rises his right hand in a blessing gesture.

Saint John Chrysostom was born in the middle of the VI c. to a rich Christian family and received very good education. He was an eloquent speaker, and his gift of eloquence won him his name, John the Golden-Mouthed, or Chrysostom. John was a hermit in the desert for several years while laboring at his theological works. At a mature age, Saint John Chrysostom became known for his preaching and Scriptural Interpretations. However, his ardent and straightforward preaching caused a lot of dissatisfaction with John the Golden-Mouthed among priests. In 407, he was banished to the Caucasus in Abkhazia. His trip to Abkhazia was extremely onerous. By then, the sanctifier was too ill and died on his way to his place of exile.

In the composition of the icon, one can trace a minor deviation from the icon-painting Canon. According to the Canon, in the upper field of the Deesis tier with painted figures of Christ, Holy Mother, and John the Precursor, Holy Mother must be positioned to the right of Christ, but in this icon, she is to his left.