THE A TO Z OF HOLY ICONS
In this post we will try to cover every aspect known to man on the subject of Holy Icons. We start with a co-production of Craig Truglia's channel, Orthodox Christian Theology and among others, Michael Garten, author of the book, "Early Icons: Christian Image Veneration Before 325 AD" (link). It looks at the earliest history and presents evidence that Christians venerated Holy Icons before 325 AD. Part 1 presents evidence for image veneration from early Christian authors, including those seen as hostile to it (Clement of Alexandria, Origen, and Tertullian). It argues for the veneration of surviving paintings from the pre-Nicene Church, of the Good Shepherd, and an early icon of Christ and the Panagia.
Dec. 5, 2024 Harmony: Hidden History of Early Christian Icons.
The second documentary looks at the venerations of Holy Icons in the Orthodox tradition, their use in the Church and in private homes.
Those in the Protestant denominations as well as Jews and Muslims are quick to condemn the Orthodox Holy Icon as idolatry, without understanding what an idol is, its purpose and how idols are made. But idols are more than simply images. A spirit or daimon must be incorporated in the image for it to be an actual idol.
Veneration offered to the Holy Icon is not directed at the wood and paint but is mystically transmitted to the heavenly figure it represents. Icons make the person depicted present through a concept known as typology.
It goes to a concept we often discuss in these pages: the synthesis of the physical and the spiritual worlds. The Incarnation was similarly a process of synthesis: because God became visible in Christ, He can be depicted. More here.
Dec. 30, 2024 Orthodox Loner: The Icon | Documentary.
Icons are not merely religious art; they are considered sacred images and windows into heaven, serving as a bridge between the divine and the faithful.
Rooted in the Eastern Roman tradition, icons function as a visual counterpart to the Gospels -- theology in imagery -- and are central to Orthodox Christian worship.
Their primary purpose is to aid in prayer and contemplation, offering a focal point for reverence rather than artistic admiration.
July 10, 2018 Taxiarchis Giannikos: Byzantine Icon Painting (time lapse).
In the following video we have a look at one of the oldest and most beloved icons in the world: Christ Pantocrator, Christ who rules all. It dates back to the 6th century.
Presently at Saint Katherine's Monastery in Sinai, Egypt the Icon was likely created in Constantinople and may have been a gift from Roman Emperor Justinian I during the monastery's foundation between 548 and 565.
The Icon was painted using the encaustic technique, hot wax paint on a wooden panel. It survived due to the monastery’s remote, dry, desert location which also protected it from destruction during the periods of Byzantine Iconoclasms (726–787 and 814–842 AD).
The Christ has a dual expression: his right side reflects his human nature, while his left side shows his divinity, with his right hand raised in blessing and his left hand holding the Gospel.
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Aug. 30, 2020 Graphē by Father Rijo Geevarghese: Meaning of Icons #6 | Face of Christ in his second coming| Christ the Pantocrator at Mt Sinai. Watch all videos on Father Rijo Geevarghese's channel.
Antiques dealer Robert Morrison is showing us how NOT to handle Icons. His irreverence is shocking. But he does show us what to look for if we want to buy an old Icon.
April 25, 2023 Robert Morrison Antiques Malta: ICONS antique Greek Russian and other, Fra Angelico and Crown with cross.
And finally we get to two videos by Icon carver, Jonathan Pageau showing us how he makes an Icon and telling us how to 'read' their language.
Aug. 4, 2012 Jonathan Pageau: Orthodox Icon Carving.
Jan. 2, 2025 Patristic Nectar: How to Read an Icon - .Jonathan Pageau. Watch also Pageau's talk on the definition of Icons (link).
Finally a word on what to do with Holy Icons at the end of their live spans. It should be treated with reverence at all times and not discarded in regular trash. The most appropriate method is burning the Icon and then burying the ashes in a place that will not be disturbed, such as a cemetery or under a tree in a garden.
If burning at home is not feasible, the Icon should be brought to the Church to be burned in the Church furnace, or the priest may arrange for its respectful disposal. The key principle is to ensure that the sacred object is disposed of in a manner that honors its sanctity and avoids any form of disrespect. Here more on How to Dispose of Holy Things (link).
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