Greek Initials

Common letters and symbols:

Greek letters and symbols in Byzantine period paintings, icons, and inscriptions hold deep religious and cultural significance. Here are some common ones and their meanings:

Christograms and Monograms

1. IC XC: This is a Christogram, an abbreviation for “Jesus Christ” (ΙΗΣΟΥΣ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ in Greek). The letters ΙC are for Jesus (ΙΗΣΟΥΣ), and XC are for Christ (ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ).
2. ΙΧΘΥΣ (Ichthys): This acronym stands for “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior” (ΙΗΣΟΥΣ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ ΘΕΟΥ ΥΙΟΣ ΣΩΤΗΡ). The word means “fish” in Greek, and the fish symbol was an early Christian secret symbol.
3. IHS or ΙΗΣ: A Christogram derived from the first three letters of the Greek name of Jesus (ΙΗΣΟΥΣ).
4. XP (Chi-Rho): Another Christogram formed by superimposing the first two letters of “Christ” in Greek (ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ), Chi (Χ) and Rho (Ρ).

Alpha and Omega

• Α and Ω: These are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. In Christian iconography, they signify that Christ is the beginning and the end of all things, as mentioned in the Book of Revelation (“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end”).

Abbreviations and Symbols

• MP ΘΥ: An abbreviation for “Meter Theou” (ΜΗΤΗΡ ΘΕΟΥ), meaning “Mother of God.” This is commonly found near depictions of the Virgin Mary.
• Ο ΩΝ: This phrase, meaning “The One Who Is” or “He Who Is,” is often placed in the halo of Christ to denote his divinity and eternal existence, referencing God’s self-revelation to Moses in Exodus 3:14.

Crosses and Cruciforms

• Cross: Often found in Byzantine art, the cross symbolizes the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is a central symbol of Christianity.
• Cross with Greek letters: Sometimes, the cross is adorned with Greek letters like ΙΝΒΙ, which stands for “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews” (ΙΗΣΟΥΣ ΝΑΖΩΡΑΙΟΣ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΥΣ ΙΟΥΔΑΙΩΝ).

Saints and Angels

• O ΑΓΙΟΣ: This means “The Saint” (Ο ΑΓΙΟΣ) and is often inscribed near depictions of saints.
• Ο ΑΡΧΑΓΓΕΛΟΣ: This means “The Archangel” and is used in icons of archangels like Michael and Gabriel.

Common Words and Phrases

• ΚΥΡΙΟΣ (Kyrios): Means “Lord” and is often used in reference to Jesus.
• ΑΓΙΑ (Hagia): Means “Holy” and is often used to describe holy figures or objects.

Numerical Symbols

• Greek Numerals: Often used to date inscriptions. Greek letters also doubled as numbers, for example, Α (1), Β (2), Γ (3), etc.

Decorative and Liturgical Phrases

• Doxologies and prayers: Phrases like “Glory to God” (Δόξα τῷ Θεῷ) or “Hallelujah” (Αλληλούια) appear frequently in Byzantine liturgical texts and decorations.

Understanding these symbols and their meanings provides deeper insight into the theological and devotional messages conveyed through Byzantine art. They serve not only as artistic elements but also as didactic tools, reinforcing the religious beliefs and values of the time.