Image Details

Gabi Laron

ICONIC ICHTHUS. Two standing or walking fishermen are shown in this mosaic medallion from the Loya Church’s south aisle. The fisherman on the left carries a large fish, while the one on the right carries a basket of fish. The Greek word for fish—ichthus—was used by early Christians as an acronym for the phrase “Iesous Christos, Theou Yios, Soter,” which means “Jesus Christ, God’s Son, Savior.” In early Christian art, the fish symbolizes the Christian soul, and the fisherman symbolizes Jesus or the apostles who lead believers to salvation.