ⲉⲩⲁⲅⲅⲉⲗⲓⲁ

“Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
- John 1:29

This gospel cover and cross set is my first commissioned work for a church. It is not complete yet, it will be brought to life by @cherubic_coptic_icons who will be adding icons of the incorporeal creatures to the four empty corners on both faces of the gospel cover as well as the crucifixion on the front of the hand cross. This set will be used for service at St. Mary and Sts. Cosman and Damian Coptic Orthodox Church in Australia.

Carved on the front of the gospel cover is Christ as Agnus Dei, which is Latin for “Lamb of God” and on the back is also a representation of Christ in the Greek letters Chi & Rho which are the first two letters in “ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ”. On either side are the Coptic letters “α” and “ω” which is Christ, the Beginning and End.

The cross was carved to match the gospel with its beams flaring out from the centre circle. The peacock symbolizes resurrection, immortality and eternal life in the Orthodox faith. The two peacocks are carved on either side, bowing to what will be the crucified Christ icon, partaking of the gift of His body and Blood which were poured out for us.