Why Do Orthodox Christians Venerate Icons?

Visitors to an Orthodox church often notice people making the sign of the Cross, bowing, lighting candles, or kissing sacred icons. These actions are forms of veneration: reverence and honor directed toward the person or sacred event represented by the icon.

Veneration is not worship

Orthodox Christianity makes a clear distinction between veneration and worship. Worship belongs to God alone. An icon of Christ is honored because it represents Christ; an icon of the Theotokos or a saint is honored because it represents that holy person. The material object itself is not treated as a god.

A simple comparison is sometimes helpful. A person may kiss a photograph of a loved one without believing that the paper itself is the person. The affection passes beyond the image to the person represented. An icon has a much deeper place in the Church's prayer and theology, but the comparison helps explain the basic distinction.

Icons and the Incarnation

The Orthodox defense of icons is closely connected with the Incarnation. The eternal Son of God truly became man as Jesus Christ. He was visible, had a real human body, and was seen and touched by His disciples. Because Christ truly became human, He can be depicted according to His humanity.

The Seventh Ecumenical Council

During the Iconoclast controversy, Christians debated whether sacred images could properly be made and honored. The Seventh Ecumenical Council, held at Nicaea in 787, defended the veneration of icons while clearly distinguishing this honor from the worship that belongs to God.

Why kiss an icon?

Kissing is an ancient sign of love and respect. An Orthodox Christian may kiss an icon while offering a prayer to Christ or asking the prayers of the saint depicted. Customs concerning exactly how an icon is approached may vary, but the purpose is reverence, prayer, and remembrance.

Icons point beyond themselves

Icons are not intended to stop attention at wood, paint, metal, or glass. They direct the mind and heart toward Christ, His saving work, His Mother, the angels, and the saints. This is why icons have such an important place in Orthodox churches and homes.