Icons in churches can be found in the iconostasis This I ask through the intercession of Thy most Holy Mother, the Apostle Luke, and all the Saints. Protect them from all evil and instruct them with good counsel. Guide the hands of Thine unworthy servant so that I may worthily and perfectly portray Thine Icon, that of Thy Mother, and all the Saints, for the glory, joy and adornment of Thy Holy Church.įorgive my sins and the sins of those who will venerate these icons and who, kneeling devoutly before them, give homage to those they represent. “O Divine Lord of all that exists, Thou hast illumined the Apostle and Evangelist Luke with Thy Holy Spirit, thereby enabling him to represent Thy most Holy Mother, the One who held Thee in her arms and said: The Grace of Him Who has been born of me is spread through the world!Įnlighten and direct my soul, my heart and my spirit. Before the icon was written, a prayer for enlightenment was prayed: The artist was to fast and abstain from pleasures like feasting, drinking, and dancing. A properly-made icon was created from paint mixed with baptismal water. When an icon was created, there were steps for preparing both the materials and the iconographer himself. The preparation to paint an icon is important Lips are often closed, which reminds the viewer of the importance of total silence.ģ. The nose of the subject is often exaggerated, which reminds the viewer that the saint’s nose is attuned to the incense of prayers rising to Heaven. Monks and holy people are often given deeper wrinkles to symbolize their knowledge. In icons, people’s foreheads are usually higher – this conveys their spirituality and wisdom. The physical features of the person depicted in the icon are symbolic of their spirituality. Icons have high foreheads and long noses for a reason Each paint stroke represents a prayer that the writer of the icon has prayed.Ģ. Here are eight facts about icons to help you grow in understanding about them.Īlthough icons are typically thought of as art that is painted, the Orthodox Church emphasizes that icons aren’t painted or drawn, but instead they’re written. But for those of us who don’t know much about icons, they can be shrouded in mystery. Icons are commonplace in Orthodox Church tradition. Their purpose is to communicate the word of God and deepen the daily prayer life of a Christian. But icons are much more than a work of art. You may think it’s a “nice picture”, and purchase one to hang in your home. When you first see an icon, you may be drawn to the colors and shapes.
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Icons are incredibly important to the Orthodox Church tradition.