Veneration of Icons

Veneration of icons refers to the respect and honor given to sacred images in various religious traditions, particularly within the Eastern Orthodox Church. Icons are typically paintings of Christ, the Virgin Mary, or saints. Believers do not worship the icons themselves but use them as windows into the divine, aiding in prayer and meditation. The practice emphasizes the connection between the spiritual and material worlds, allowing the faithful to express devotion and seek intercession through these sacred images. The veneration of icons is an important aspect of worship and cultural identity in many Christian communities.