Icons in the Church
Introduction
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III speaks about the meaning and importance of icons in the Coptic Orthodox Church, explaining that an icon is not just art, but a spiritual and theological expression of faith. He clarifies the difference between worship and veneration, and between a simple picture and a consecrated church icon.
1. Historical Background
He refers to the “Icon War” that took place in the 8th century (year 726 A.D.) under Emperor Leo III, when some rejected icons thinking they were idols. His Holiness explains that the commandment “You shall not make for yourself a carved image” refers to worship, not to the making or honoring of sacred images.
2. An Icon Is Not an Idol
There is a clear difference: every idol is a statue, but not every statue is an idol. Christians do not worship icons but honor the saints they depict, just as one kisses a parent’s photo out of love, not worship.
3. Biblical Support for Sacred Images
God Himself commanded the making of the cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant and in Solomon’s Temple, and ordered Moses to make the bronze serpent. The issue is not the image, but worshiping it.
4. Difference Between Picture and Icon
An icon is a consecrated image anointed with holy chrism and used liturgically in church, while other pictures may be devotional or artistic. An icon must follow specific theological and spiritual rules.
5. Liturgical Rules
Coptic icons must include:
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A halo around the head, symbolizing divine light.
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The Virgin Mary holding Christ, since she is “Theotokos.”
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A crown, stars, and clouds around her, symbolizing that she is “the second heaven.”
6. The Role of the Coptic Artist
The icon painter should study theology, doctrine, and history. His Holiness criticizes errors like depicting St. Mark with white hair or showing St. Joseph as a young man.
7. Common Artistic Mistakes
The Pope warns against:
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Icons of the Last Supper with many dishes and cups.
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Icons of John the Baptist with wings or holding his head.
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Westernized images of Christ blessing only white children.
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Incorrect depictions of angels with bodily features like navels.
8. The Coptic Artistic Spirit
Coptic icons retain Egyptian symbolism but with Christian holiness. The saints appear large and luminous, representing their spiritual greatness rather than physical proportion.
Spiritual Conclusion
Icons are not worshiped but venerated; they are visual theology that teaches faith and sanctifies the believer. Through them, we see holiness and are inspired to live in divine light.
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