What are Icons?

"The term Icon comes from the Greek word eikon, which simply means image. Icons are replete with symbolism meant to convey far more meaning than simply the identity of the person depicted, and it is for this reason, and a concern for the historical veracity of the likeness, that Orthodox iconography has become an exacting science of copying older icons rather than an opportunity for artistic expression.

The art of iconography has been a tradition of the church for 1500 years and is currently seeing a resurgence in the West. Icons are described as "the Gospel in line and color," a depiction of the Incarnate Word. The close association of word and image is brought out as iconographers refer to their work as being written rather than painted. In the words of Theodore of Studios (759-826 A.D.), "his [Christ's] image was drawn in writing by the apostles and has been preserved up to the present. Whatever is marked there with paper and ink, the same is marked on the icon with various pigments or some other material. For the great Basil says 'Whatever the words of the narrative offer, the picture silently shows by imitation.'" "Hearing is equal to sight, and it is necessary to use both."

In Behold the Beauty of the Lord, Henri Nouwen says "icons...are created for the sole purpose of offering access, through the gate of the visible, to the mystery of the invisible." "This entry into the world of icons can at the same time be an entry into our own interior life, a passing through the 'narrow gate' that leads to Life" writes John Baggley in Doors of Perception.

Icons are not considered by the Orthodox to be objects of worship, rather another way of opening oneself to an authentic encounter with God. If you would like to learn more about the art of iconagraphy, stop by Lanecia's office.