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.