Seven prelates

The images of seven prelates of the Orthodox Church represent four patriarchal polities of Jerusalem, Constantinople, Antioch and Alexandria. In the center there portrayed the brother of the Lord – Saint Jacob the Apostle, to the right- Saints John Chrysostom, Gregory the Theologian, Basil the Great, to the left – Ignatius of Antioch, Athanasius and Cyril of Alexandria. Above them in seven medallions the emblems of the Saints are depicted. The triangle, consisting of three archpastoral rods – symbolizes Trinity as a Celestial Church and four rods make letter “M” - the first letter in the name of Holy Mother, which symbolizes the Church.