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What Are Icons? Understanding Orthodox Iconography and Its role in Christian Worship Pt.1
Oct 2nd 2025 Brandon Byrd

What Are Icons? Understanding Orthodox Iconography and Its role in Christian Worship Pt.1

“Windows of God’s Kingdom:” An Apology and Exposition of Icons Part. 1 The icon is a song of triumph, and a revelation, and an enduring monument to the victory of the saints and the disgrace of the demons. St. John of Damascus (1)  (Ware 42)  Why Icons?   Iconography has always been a part of the Church’s witness to the Kingdom of God. Along with the spoken and written word, icons attest to the work and person of Jesus Christ and His Body, the Church. Sin …
Dec 5th 2023

Seven Functions of Icons: Number Seven

Introduction: Today, December 5, we celebrate St. John of Damascus, who was a key figure in the restoration of Holy Icons as a confirmation of the centrality of Christ's Incarnation in Orthodox theology and a necessary aspect of worship. St. John lists 7 Functions of Iconography as useful to our worship. This post is the last in a series on these functions we hope will be educational and inspirational, and lead you further towards our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Function 7 according to St …
Nov 27th 2023

Seven Functions of Icons: Number Six

Introduction: Sunday, October 15 commemorated the Seventh Ecumenical Council at which icons were restored to the Church as a confirmation of the centrality of Christ's Incarnation in Orthodox theology and a necessary aspect of worship. St John of Damascus was a key figure in this restoration and in his Defense of Icons, he lists 7 functions of Iconography. This post is part of a series on these functions we hope will be educational and inspirational, and lead you further towards our Lord …
Nov 23rd 2023

Seven Functions of Icons: Number Five

The Theotokos, the pattern of every virtue. Icon from St Paul's Cathedral, London. Introduction: Sunday, October 15 commemorated the Seventh Ecumenical Council at which icons were restored to the Church as a confirmation of the centrality of Christ's Incarnation in Orthodox theology and a necessary aspect of worship. St John of Damascus was a key figure in this restoration and in his Defense of Icons, he lists 7 functions of Iconography. This post is part of a series on these functions w …
Nov 14th 2023

Seven Functions of Icons: Number Four

Introduction: Sunday, October 15 commemorated the Seventh Ecumenical Council at which icons were restored to the Church as a confirmation of the centrality of Christ's Incarnation in Orthodox theology and a necessary aspect of worship. St John of Damascus was a key figure in this restoration and in his Defense of Icons, he lists 7 functions of Iconography. This post is part of a series on these functions we hope will be educational and inspirational, and lead you further towards our Lord and …
Nov 8th 2023

Seven Functions of Icons: Number Three

Introduction: Sunday, October 15 commemorated the Seventh Ecumenical Council at which icons were restored to the Church as a confirmation of the centrality of Christ's Incarnation in Orthodox theology and a necessary aspect of worship. St John of Damascus was a key figure in this restoration and in his Defense of Icons, he lists 7 functions of Iconography. This post is part of a series on these functions we hope will be educational and inspirational, and lead you further towards our Lord …
Oct 30th 2023

Seven Functions of Holy Icons: Number Two

The iconography in the nave of Saint George Orthodox Cathedral in Wichita, Kansas provides many opportunities for education and contemplation. Sunday, October 15 commemorated the Seventh Ecumenical Council at which icons were restored to the Church as a confirmation of the centrality of Christ's Incarnation in Orthodox theology and a necessary aspect of worship. St John of Damascus was a key figure in this restoration and in his Defense of Icons, he lists 7 functions of Iconography. This …
Oct 22nd 2023

Seven Functions of Holy Icons: Number One

Sunday, October 15 Commemorates the Seventh Ecumenical Council at which icons were restored to the Church as a confirmation of the centrality of Christ's Incarnation in Orthodox theology and a necessary aspect of worship. Saint John of Damascus was a key figure in this restoration and in his defense of icons, Apologetic Treatises against those Decrying the Holy Images, he lists seven functions of iconography. Saint John is commemorated On December 4, and so over the next couple months we …