Icons and Orthodoxy

Although there exist slight differences between icons of different eras and countries, in general, Eastern Orthodox painted icons are reasonably similar.1 An icon is not regarded as a painter's work of art, in fact most ecclesiastical painters remain anonymous, making the practice of icon painting a sacred ritual performed in monasteries reputed for their expertise. Devoid of the will to publicly expose their works, monks often share the task of painting an icon, demonstrating their profound desire to maintain tradition. The dogmatic nature of icons is represented by their sacred role in the ecclesiastical and liturgical rituals. Moreover, the process of icon painting itself is considered to be a consecrating act with a high degree of holiness and sanctification demanded of the painter.1 In fact, the painter-monks continually pray and fast before painting, while the brushes, wood, paint, and all related materials are blessed.1 In this sense, the consecration of the icons allows a "window between the earthly and celestial worlds" (Benz 19) by which, in accordance to the Eastern Orthodox Church, the holy person represented in the icon is enabled to carry out miraculous wonders. Albeit the iconomache view opposing iconic representations, the modern Eastern Orthodox church defends its position by asserting that it is not the wood that they are venerating, but the sacred being depicted in it while distinguishing between veneration of icons and adoration or worship of God.
             In the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, Eastern Orthodoxy holds that worshipers experience the parousia, a taste of the second coming of Christ . With this perception, it is believed that each icon in the church should have its rightful and proper emplacement and order. Furthermore, icons are displayed on particular feast days in order to create a visual reference of the feast or saint being celebrated.1 Icons are usually classified as images of Christ, Mary, saints, angels, or scenic representations of certain important events, such as the Transfiguration or Crucifixion of Christ.