• Welcome to Religious Forums, a friendly forum to discuss all religions in a friendly surrounding.

    Your voice is missing! You will need to register to get access to the following site features:
    • Reply to discussions and create your own threads.
    • Our modern chat room. No add-ons or extensions required, just login and start chatting!
    • Access to private conversations with other members.

    We hope to see you as a part of our community soon!

Ask An Orthodox

Sunstone

De Diablo Del Fora
Premium Member
How do icons function to promote the faith? Is there any difference between an icon and a simple painting when it comes to promoting the faith?
 

Rival

Si m'ait Dieus
Staff member
Premium Member
How do icons function to promote the faith? Is there any difference between an icon and a simple painting when it comes to promoting the faith?
Icons are seen as 'Windows into Heaven' and at the top of the dome of Orthodox Churches are paintings of saints and angels also, which is supposed to be like looking into heaven too. Sort of like a point of contact between the Divine and the Human. There are also rules governing what an icon painting should look like, i.e, they are not supposed to look too realistic, can only depict canonised saints and angels, etc.

At @xkatz are you Oriental or Eastern?
 
Top