The art of the icon must follow strict rules.
These rules require that the iconographer submit him or herself to the conscience of the Church;
That they bridal their own imagination in order to check their inspiration against Theology and Spiritual sources and against Holy Tradition.
The painter of icons knows that their talent must be placed in the service of prayer, and that they must lay aside all earthly cares.
This is an asceticism similar to that followed by a monk in his life, a discipline dictated to him by the monastic rule. because of this sobriety, the icon can take its place at the liturgical celebration and be venerated, for it upholds prayer. It is scripture expressed in images and color.
St Vlads Press
Page 117, The Incarnate God, Vol I
Translated by Paul Meyendorff
St. Vladimir's Seminary Press, 1995
These rules require that the iconographer submit him or herself to the conscience of the Church;
That they bridal their own imagination in order to check their inspiration against Theology and Spiritual sources and against Holy Tradition.
The painter of icons knows that their talent must be placed in the service of prayer, and that they must lay aside all earthly cares.
This is an asceticism similar to that followed by a monk in his life, a discipline dictated to him by the monastic rule. because of this sobriety, the icon can take its place at the liturgical celebration and be venerated, for it upholds prayer. It is scripture expressed in images and color.
St Vlads Press
Page 117, The Incarnate God, Vol I
Translated by Paul Meyendorff
St. Vladimir's Seminary Press, 1995
