what's with Icons?

[tateziwin]

What is the reason that Icons are in the Orthodox church? I understand what their purpose is but I am not sure that I understand why they are there at all.
How did this veneration come about? Did the apostles practice it? If not, then why do the Orthodox and the Catholics practice it?
Thanks very much for your replies, your answers will help me to understand.
Tateziwin :)

[Moros]

John of Damascus: In Defense of Icons, c. 730
http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/johndam-icons.html

[Philip]

How did this veneration come about? Did the apostles practice it?


Yes, we believe they did. Historical evidence such as the Roman catacombs support this. Likewise, historical evidence such as the synagogue at Dura Europa suggests that the Jew of that time did as well.

[Orthosdoxa]

The ancient historian Eusebius records the first icon as being painted by the Apostle Luke.

[countrymousenc]

In fact, it goes back much, much farther.

RSV Exodus 26:1
1. "MOREOVER YOU shall make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen and blue and purple and scarlet stuff; with cherubim skilfully worked shall you make them.

RSV Exodus 26:31
31. "And you shall make a veil of blue and purple and scarlet stuff and fine twined linen; in skilled work shall it be made, with cherubim;

RSV Exodus 36:8
8. And all the able men among the workmen made the tabernacle with ten curtains; they were made of fine twined linen and blue and purple and scarlet stuff, with cherubim skilfully worked.

RSV Exodus 36:35
35. And he made the veil of blue and purple and scarlet stuff and fine twined linen; with cherubim skilfully worked he made it.

There were also the golden cherubim over the ark of the covenant, the horns on the altar, the almond flowers and leaves on the candlestand, Aaron's rod that budded, the pole with the serpent (kept in the temple as a reminder). These kinds of windows to heavenly realities have always been a part of the worship of God and the life of His people.

[Umut]

If you'd like to know more about icons, and the overall view of the Orthodox Church; then simply read "The Orthodox Church" by Bishop Timothy Kallistos Ware.

Also, if you'd like to know more about Orthodoxy; The Orthodox Way is also a good book; by the same author.

Orthodoxy and the Religion of the Future - is also a good book (so I hear) by Fr. Blessed Seraphim Rose.

This site should help you alot, too!

[MariaRegina]

In fact, it goes back much, much farther.



There were also the golden cherubim over the ark of the covenant, the horns on the altar, the almond flowers and leaves on the candlestand, Aaron's rod that budded, the pole with the serpent (kept in the temple as a reminder). These kinds of windows to heavenly realities have always been a part of the worship of God and the life of His people.

Great post, Dianne!

You're becoming very knowledgeable in your new found faith! Keep up the good work.

Your sister in Christ,
Elizabeth

[Rilian]

I can say from my brief personal experience so far that icons have given me an incredible ability to focus on prayer and visualize that which is unseen. They are a bridge to me for something I felt like I could never reach.

[Philip]

I can say from my brief personal experience so far that icons have given me an incredible ability to focus on prayer and visualize that which is unseen. They are a bridge to me for something I felt like I could never reach.

They are windows to heaven.

[emil_g]

Hello Philip
Likewise, historical evidence such as the synagogue at Dura Europa suggests that the Jew of that time did as well.

Can you give me an internet link on this fact or to tell more in detail about it?
Thank you

[Oblio]

http://www.philthompson.net/images/SynaWall.jpg (http://www.philthompson.net/pages/icons/duraeuropos.html)
Synagogue at Dura Europos (http://www.philthompson.net/pages/icons/duraeuropos.html)

[Patristic]

I'm looking to purchase a few icons. Are there any sites or catalogs people would recommend?

[MariaRegina]

I'm looking to purchase a few icons. Are there any sites or catalogs people would recommend?

There is a thread over in our chapel - on buying incense and church items.

Visit that site -- and please add to it.

[Matrona]

I'm looking to purchase a few icons. Are there any sites or catalogs people would recommend?
http://www.skete.com. It's skete-alicious.

Also, I have bought a few icons from eBay, and as of yet I have not had a single bad experience.

[Orthodox Andrew]

I'm looking to purchase a few icons. Are there any sites or catalogs people would recommend?
http://www.religiousmall.com/
http://66.223.67.108/Icons.htm
http://light-n-life.com/

[emil_g]

Oh, thank you very much, Oblio

[ShiFuBill]

There are many listed on Ebay fairly cheap as well.

[OrthodoxDragon]

I know that is right. I was able to procure a beautiful Orthodox Cross that apprently the person had gotten from Russia to begin with as it has things in Russian on the back. I got it for 2.99! after shipping I still only spent about 7.00. If I find the lady again on ebay I'll post a link. Her stuff is most beautiful.

[Michael the Iconographer]

I'm looking to purchase a few icons. Are there any sites or catalogs people would recommend?

You can find prints of my work at http://www.comeandseeicons.com/goltz.htm

and you can see prints of others work at http://www.comeandseeicons.com

Do not buy icons from Monastary Icons, I have a post from a few weeks ago on here that tells why they are dangerous. Btw, this is not self promotion as I only get a tiny fraction of the price paid for the icon prints my friend sells of my work. I mostly tell people about his site to let everyone know that they can get prints of american iconographers who are still doing work.