I am the good shepherd
Hand-painted icon of Jesus the Good Shepherd
«I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep» (John 10:11). Christ carrying the lost sheep on his shoulders is one of the first images of the Christian faith, and remains one of the most consoling.
An image from the beginnings
The Good Shepherd already appears in the frescoes of the Roman catacombs, such as those of Priscilla and Saint Callixtus, when Christians still gathered in secret. In the Byzantine icon Christ, with the cross-inscribed halo and the letters IC XC, carries the sheep on his shoulders or holds it close: the sheep is humanity found again, and every single person sought and saved.
Who it is a fitting gift for
It is the most natural gift for a priest, a shepherd of souls, on the day of ordination or an anniversary; for a catechist, an educator, a family that has found peace again. Its gentleness also makes it suitable for a child's room. Like every icon from the atelier, it is fully gilded with 23¾ karat gold, with inscriptions in Greek or Latin, and is commissioned with an offering proportionate to the time and materials of the work.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Good Shepherd and the Pantocrator?
The Pantocrator shows Christ as Lord of the universe, blessing and holding the Gospel; the Good Shepherd shows Christ seeking and carrying the lost sheep. The first is an icon of majesty, the second of mercy.