Moreover, Christ is always depicted as God, even in religious icons showing Him as a baby. However, they still show us such virtues as love, compassion, forgiveness, patience, and purity. That’s the divine reality, where the depicted story precludes space and time.Īlthough Eastern Orthodox icons depict historical figures and scenes, they don’t show human emotions, as they are not intended to force an intense emotional response. Furthermore, figures and things in religious icons don’t cast shadows, as there is no night in heaven, only eternal day. Besides, they show people that time does not matter, thus inviting us into the world of silence, prayer, and contemplation.

Persons depicted in Orthodox Christianity icons don’t speak or display any actions. Moreover, because of the incarnation of Christ, we can also paint the Mother of God and other saints who lived their lives on earth and are now in heaven. It is also the reason why we can see and portrait Him. Religious icons remind us of the incarnation of Christ.Įastern Orthodox icons serve as a constant reminder of the fact that God became incarnate in human form and died to rescue us from our sins. For better understanding, let’s look at the basics of Eastern Orthodox iconography.ġ. No wonder, in the Orthodox Church, a religious icon is much more than just a beautiful piece of art – it is a “window into heaven” that gives us an idea of what the heavenly realm looks like. However, if you want to understand Eastern Orthodox iconography, you should start with the following: an icon is a sacred image of Jesus Christ or a holy person in another reality, place, and time, which has an important spiritual role. What is an icon? For today, we have so many definitions of this word that it is easy to get lost in what can and what cannot be considered an icon. George are indeed highly revered shrines that carry profound meaning.DecemUnderstanding Eastern Orthodox Iconography George represents a messenger of the Lord: he effortlessly plunges a spear into the body of the dragon, saddles a white horse (a reference to purity and holiness), and has a shield with the image of the sun, which is a symbol of Jesus Christ. The icon’s composition shows the eternal battle between good and evil. Since early Christian times, the image of the serpent or dragon has been a symbol of evil, treachery, and the prince of darkness himself. With the weapon, he slays the dragon that is on the ground under the feet of the horse.

George the Victorious on horseback, wearing armor and with a spear in his hand. Dragon slayerįamous religious icons of this type are often displayed in Orthodox churches and monasteries. They show the saint standing alone or with other saints, wearing a mantle and unarmed. George with no armor are not very popular in Orthodox iconography. The icon also shows Christ, who is seen in the sky, blessing all Christians.

He is often depicted alongside other saints, such as the patron saints of matrimony Samon, Habib, and Gurias, the prophetess Anna, and the nun Eudocia. George as he stands, wearing Roman armor and holding a weapon in his hands – a spear. George the Victorious are divided into the following types. The latter are most often shown in the form of a dragon or serpent.įamous religious icons of St. George is usually depicted as a warrior riding a horse and battling evil forces. During the persecution of Christians, he was martyred for his faith in Jesus Christ. George the Victorious was a Christian saint and Roman warrior. George can be divided into several types, each with its specific features. On November 23, Orthodox believers commemorate his martyrdom and honor his feats and deeds. Orthodox iconography features several examples of saints depicted as soldiers fighting for the Christian faith and defeating evil.

Robin armstrong orthodox iconographer