THE HEALING MINISTRY OF JESUS CHRIST IN THE ICONOGRAPHIC REPRESENTATIONS OF THE EASTERN ORTHODOX CHURCH THEOLOGICAL MEANINGS

The aim of the present study is to point out the faith of the Church based on biblical texts and patristic thinking which says that Christ the Incarnated God is the Doctor of our souls and bodies. This faith is reflected in a multitude of prayers and in the iconographic program of the Orthodox Church. One element which is common to a variety of biblical texts, liturgical services, gestures and rituals is the lay of hands. This sign we can see also in our iconographic representations. The main meaning of this is the power of healing which is Christ power given to His Church and achieved through its worship and iconography.