The Use of Orthodox Religious Icons in the Modern World

Icons are a common sight in a Church’s liturgical ceremonies. In the Byzantine and Orthodox tradition, they serve as depictions for the teachings of the Church. They serve as sacred images that portray religious events or a holy being. Orthodox religious icons can take up many forms. Crafted into many types of materials such as ivory, marble, ceramic, enamel and mosaic, the Byzantium icons are unique in the way they are crafted and designed. Iconography is the process by which religious icons are made. The different processes that are used to make icons include embroidery, weaving, painting and engraving.  As icons are an important part of the aesthetic of the church, iconography holds an important role in the Byzantine tradition. Some of the most common religious figures on icons include, Christ, the Virgin Mary and saints.    

Types of icons in Orthodox tradition  

An icon can take different forms in Orthodox tradition. A Diptych is a painting of a painting or carvings that are made on two panels that are held together by a hinge. The artwork within is protected by closing the panels while travelling. Similarly, a Triptych depicted artwork is made on three different panels. The ancient art of embroidery is also very common in the Orthodox Church. The skill of needlework yielded embroidered icons. The vestments of priests and clergymen used embroidery to pictorially depict religious events. Other forms of icons included the use of lithography and gold imprinting on solid wood to depict a canonical iconographic style. Another form of icons comes in the form of jewelry. These religious symbols come in the form of baptism crosses and medallions. While the cross symbolizes Christ’s sacrifice for humanity, the medallion acknowledges birth and new life and are offered as gifts to new parents. Engraved with images of saints, the medallion and pendants serve as a perfect example of a Church jewelry icon.    

Importance of icons in the Church  

Christians use orthodox religious icons as a visual reminder of their faith and a testimony of their beliefs. As they are not worshipped, they serve as important symbolic artforms to depict the rich historical past. In the Orthodox churches of Russia and Greece, icons play an important role in liturgical veneration. Even today, you can still find icons that are traditionally made using Orthodox designs passed down from the Byzantine time period. With a huge on-line selection of icons, retailers are able to provided top-quality, custom and handmade products for your needs.