A rare icon depicting Christ being baptized completely naked is located in the small ancient church of Panagia Eleousa in Chloraka.
This church is built in the Byzantine style and dates back to the 12th or 13th century, situated in the central square of the community. In the dome and various parts of the walls, especially within the sanctuary of the church, there are rare frescoes, among which is perhaps the only depiction in the world where, according to ancient standards, Christ stands in the Jordan River completely naked, with his legs slightly crossed in an attempt to cover his genitals with a subtle turn.
Distinguished from other icons by its artistic technique and value, it portrays Christ standing in the middle of the Jordan, naked and adorned with the Adamic nakedness, thereby reflecting the glorious garment of Paradise with which humanity should be clothed. One of his feet is placed forward to demonstrate his ultimate initiative to be baptized by John, while also concealing his nakedness, which may shame the thoughts of sinners.
In the church of Panagia Eleousa in Chloraka, Christ is naked, completely naked. While elsewhere he is depicted wearing a white robe, in this icon, the painter, free from moralistic fears and hesitations regarding nudity, presents the nakedness of humanity in a supreme representation of the Son of God, asserting that his nakedness is not provocative and thus declaring that the paths laid out by our Church are not scandalous.
(from the electronic book by K. Tapakoudis, “Απαντα της Χλώρακας”)
