Icons : theology in vision

Abstract

The term "icon" is derived from the Greek "eikon" meaning image or portrait. We find its fundamental significance in Classical Greek, but also in Scripture where man was made in the image of God (Gen.1,27), and Christ is said to be the " image of God" (2 Cor. 4,4), or "the image of the invisible" (Col. 1, 15). In Christian art it indicates more specifically a religious image painted according to a conventional model or symbolism. More precisely the icon, be it a painting, a frescos, mosaic or sculpture, is a sacred and consecrated object. The icon is not just a simple image, nor a decoration, nor even an illustration of Holy Scripture. The West looks at the icon as an edifying picture, but for the East it is something greater. The Eastern Church regards it as a redeeming mystery which I transcends time and space. The icon inspires and instructs; it makes present the holy one depicted there; it is a channel for divine grace to pass to the worshipper.