Icons are much more than sacred art. Icons are a means to grow closer to God and are thus considered holy objects. Icons offer a place within the secular reality of hectic, daily routines to contemplate the spiritual reality of God’s word and His role in our life. The role of the icon can be summarized as:

• Portraying and maintaining the truths of Orthodox Christianity
• Teaching the dogma and beliefs of the Orthodox Faith
• Depicting the symbolism of the Liturgical Services
• Providing a guide for living through the virtues of those portrayed
• Lifting up the faithful to the holy personages portrayed through prayer
• Providing a catalyst to worship God and venerate His saints

Upon entering an Orthodox Church’s sacred space, one’s attention is immediately drawn to the Iconostasis or Icon screen with its colorful and distinctive figures or to the somewhat surrealistic images in the dome or on the surrounding walls. Orthodox churches, whether vast or small, whether traditional or modern, whether richly appointed or modestly furnished, all share the rich heritage of the iconography of Orthodox Christianity. Integral to the Church since the early centuries, the icon and its role in Orthodox life is much broader than the visual portrayal of religious subjects. Icons have been described as “Theology in Color.” Transcending the written word, they visually transmit the teachings of the Gospels, the writings of the Church Fathers and the Hymnology of the Church to theologians, laity of the Church, and visitors, regardless of language.

Definitely not. The Church Fathers have always differentiated between veneration (proskynesis = bowing before) and worship (latreia). Worship is reserved for God only, while veneration is due to the Saints. Veneration is an act of honor and not worship. When an Orthodox Christian venerates the icons by making the sign of the cross and kissing them, he or she understands that the icon is wood and paint, but the honor offered is passed through the icon to the Saints. Described as “Windows to Heaven”, icons function for Orthodox faithful as a path for dynamic interaction with the holy personages depicted by the icon. One not only learns from the icon but is surrounded by the presence of the personages portrayed. Prayers are offered and in return the spiritual blessings and help of the venerated are received.