BASIL II & CONSTANTINE VIII.(976-1025).Anonymous Issue.Constantinople.Ae.

Obv : EMMANOVHL IC XC.
Facing bust of Christ Pantokrator.

Rev : IhSUS XRISTUS bASILEU bASILE.
Legend in four lines, decoration below.
Sear 1813.

Condition : Good condition with some wear but legible inscriptions.Good very fine.

Material : Copper.
Axis : 6h

Weight : 8.51 gr
Diameter : 26 mm

"Emmanouhl IC XC" is a Greek phrase with significant religious meaning in Christian tradition, particularly in the Eastern Orthodox Church. It combines two key elements: the name "Emmanuel" (Emmanouhl in Greek) and the Christogram "IC XC," which is a shorthand for "Jesus Christ" in Greek. Together, these elements reflect important aspects of Christian theology, particularly the belief in the incarnation of Jesus Christ as God made flesh.

The name Emmanuel means "God is with us" and is drawn from a prophecy in the Old Testament, specifically from the Book of Isaiah. In Isaiah 7:14, the prophet speaks of a virgin who will conceive a son and call him Emmanuel, signifying that God will dwell among His people. This prophecy is understood by Christians to be a foreshadowing of the birth of Jesus Christ, who is believed to be the fulfillment of the prophecy. The name Emmanuel is thus closely associated with the idea of the incarnation, the belief that God took on human form in the person of Jesus.

The Christogram "IC XC" is an abbreviation derived from the Greek words for Jesus Christ: "ΙΗΣΟΥΣ" (Iēsous) and "ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ" (Christos). In Greek, the letters "I" and "C" represent the first and last letters of Jesus, while "X" and "C" represent the first and last letters of Christ. This symbol is frequently used in Christian iconography, particularly in Eastern Christian art, where it often appears on icons, religious manuscripts, and church architecture. The Christogram is a powerful and widely recognized symbol of Jesus Christ and is a visual representation of His name.

Together, "Emmanouhl IC XC" conveys a profound theological message. It encapsulates the Christian belief that Jesus Christ is both the Messiah (Christ) and the incarnation of God (Emmanuel). In this context, the phrase serves as a reminder of the dual nature of Jesus—fully divine and fully human—an essential tenet of Christian doctrine. The combination of Emmanuel and the Christogram reflects the mystery of the incarnation, where Jesus, as Emmanuel, represents God's presence on Earth, while IC XC affirms Him as the Christ, the anointed one and Savior.

In religious art, this phrase is often found in depictions of Jesus, particularly in icons of the Eastern Orthodox and Byzantine traditions. Icons of Christ Pantocrator, for example, frequently feature the letters IC XC, reinforcing His role as the ruler of all (Pantocrator) and emphasizing His divine authority. The use of Emmanuel in such contexts often highlights the mystery of Christ’s birth and incarnation, reminding worshippers that God became human to redeem humanity.

The phrase "Emmanouhl IC XC" is deeply rooted in Christian liturgy and worship. During the celebration of major Christian feasts, particularly Christmas, the name Emmanuel is invoked to commemorate the birth of Christ and the fulfillment of the prophecy from Isaiah. The Christogram is similarly used throughout various parts of Christian worship, especially in hymns, prayers, and liturgical texts, where it serves as a symbol of the divine presence of Christ.

"Emmanouhl IC XC" is a powerful expression of Christian belief, combining the concept of God’s incarnation with the affirmation of Jesus Christ as Savior. It reflects the deep theological convictions of the Christian faith, particularly the belief that in Jesus, God is present with humanity. This phrase is not only a doctrinal statement but also a symbol of hope and divine presence, which continues to inspire and guide Christian worship and devotion.