Harkening back to the First and Second Century of the Roman Empire, icons, in the Orthodox Church, are Windows into Heaven. The subject of an icon is always shown in his Humility, with eyes always fixed, so that they look at anybody in the room.

Christ giving His Blessing

Christ, The All-Ruler

Icons are symbolic. The traits of an icon's subject is conveyed by his features. Long noses convey dignity. Ears are large and mouths are small to convey that saints hear the Word of God, and are mindful of their speech. Seldom are sinners illustrated, but when they are, the reverse rules also apply.

JUDAS

Egyptian Lord's Supper

Mary, the Mother of God, has always had special Veneration among the Orthodox. Veneration of the Saints is in keeping with the practice of intercessory prayer. 

Since no two people keep the same friends, even Heavenly or Saintly friends, it should be no surprise that, no two Orthodox always venerate the same saints. Here are some of the Webmaster's Favorites.

Saint Photius

of Khazar extraction, he fought against the expansion of Papal Primacy into Papal Supremacy. His resistance to the insertion of the Filioque Clause into the Nicene Creed caused a distancing between the Pope and the Ecumenical Patriarch. 

Emperor Constantine

legalized Christianity in the Roman Empire. He received a vision of the Cross with the words "In This Sign, Conquer" on the eve of an important battle. He convened the Council of Nicea, from whence came the  Nicene Creed .

Saint Athanasius

This opponent of Arius prevented early heresies from creeping into the faith. One of the greatest of the early Christian scholars.

ICONOGRAPHERS

with Website Links

Are there any other Iconographers out there who would like to be featured? Email your picture, a logo, a representative work and your website for consideration.

View News Stories about Vladimir Griegorenko

St. Philothea Greek Orthodox Church

Athens, GA

Priest & Iconographer

 To St. Philothea Greek Orthodox Church