The
occhio window depicts Jesus as the Risen Savior. It captures the exaltation
of Christ in his resurrection and ascension. Clothed in the white
robes, he holds in his left hand the banner of victory over sin and
death. Christ’s right hand is raised in blessing. He stands
on a globe of the world, the mapping of which is the area of the Holy
Land and the Mediterranean basin.
In
the four corners of the window are the symbols of the four evangelists
– Matthew (winged man -- upper left), Mark (winged lion –
upper right), Luke (winged ox – lower left) and John (eagle
– lower right). These traditional symbols of the Gospel writers
are found in the Books of Ezekiel and Revelation which speak of the
"four living creatures" which surround the throne of God.
It is customary in Christian art to have these symbols of the Gospels
surround Christ in glory.
At
the four "compass points" of the window are various symbols
of Christ from ancient Christianity. At the very top is the chi
rho around which has been placed a crown of glory. The letters ‘P’
and ‘X’ are the first two letters of the Greek word
for Christ, so the letters abbreviate this title of Jesus. At the
bottom of the window there is a cross around which have been placed
the Greek letters "IC-XC-NI-KA." These form the first
letters of the Greek phrase which means, "Jesus Christ conquers."
To the left is a cross with the Greek letter "alpha";
to the right is a cross with the Greek letter "omega."
The Book of Revelation describes Jesus as "the Alpha and the
Omega, the beginning and the end" (Rev. 22:13). He is the beginning
and the end of our faith. The window is twelve feet in diameter
and is centered thirty-five feet high on the sanctuary wall of the
church.
