The Deisis is a traditional iconic representation with Jesus Christ in the centre. This word can be translated from Greek as prayer or adoration. Deisis always includes images of the Virgin Mary and St. John the Baptist who are shown facing towards Christ with their hands raised in supplication. Sometimes images of other saints, apostles, prophets, and angels were also part of the Deisis.
The word Deisis was first mentioned in 1288, in the Hypatian Codex. In ancient Rus the word had three meanings: icons that depict Christ with the Mother of God and St. John the Baptist, a row with similar icons, as well as all other icons except of the third row of the iconostasis with local saints.
Traditionally the Deisis has two kinds of composition. The first depicts only the heads of the Saviour, the Blessed Virgin and St. John the Baptist, or their figures waist-high. Such icons usually decorated entrance to the church or space above the altar. The second type shows figures of the Mother of God and St. John the Baptist in full length; they pray facing Christ. Sometimes this scene was connected with the scene of the Last Judgment, John the Baptist and the Virgin Mary symbolized supplication on behalf of humanity. Their images are based on the texts of ancient liturgies.
The word Deisis was first mentioned in 1288, in the Hypatian Codex. In ancient Rus the word had three meanings: icons that depict Christ with the Mother of God and St. John the Baptist, a row with similar icons, as well as all other icons except of the third row of the iconostasis with local saints.
Traditionally the Deisis has two kinds of composition. The first depicts only the heads of the Saviour, the Blessed Virgin and St. John the Baptist, or their figures waist-high. Such icons usually decorated entrance to the church or space above the altar. The second type shows figures of the Mother of God and St. John the Baptist in full length; they pray facing Christ. Sometimes this scene was connected with the scene of the Last Judgment, John the Baptist and the Virgin Mary symbolized supplication on behalf of humanity. Their images are based on the texts of ancient liturgies.
