Iconodulism

Iconodulism is the Christian practice of venerating icons—religious images or pictures—especially in Eastern Orthodoxy. It involves respectful honoring of icons as a means to connect with the divine, recognizing them as windows to spiritual reality rather than objects of worship themselves. Iconodules see icons as helpful tools for prayer and devotion, affirming their importance in religious life, while avoiding idolatry. This practice emphasizes that icons serve as visual aids that inspire faith and serve as a bridge between the earthly and the divine.