I was informed by a viewer this must be a "deisis". The Wikipedia has on this subject: In Byzantine art, and later Eastern Orthodox art generally, the Deësis or Deisis (Greek: δέησις), "prayer" or "supplication"), is a traditional iconic representation of Christ in Majesty or Christ Pantocrator: enthroned, carrying a book, and flanked by the Virgin Mary and St. John the Baptist, and sometimes other saints and angels. Mary and John, and any other figures, are shown facing towards Christ with their hands raised in supplication on behalf of humanity.