Hey! Is it true, orthodox christians only use icons or they use the same statuse with catholics?

Question

curious

Answer 1

Yes, we use icons rather than statues. There are strict rules about 'writing' an icon. Someone must be trained for it, and the process includes many prayers, and the person making the icon can not make many choices about how it is done. This is not for the glory of the artist, and the artist does not sign the painting.
I once heard a college art teacher refer to Orthodox icons as 'primitive art' because he didn't know that they are written with a 'reverse perspective' deliberately, so to put the viewer at the focus of the image.
Like Orthodox music, the art is not supposed to inspire worldly passions, so is often seen as rather 'dull' compared to western religious art.
As Father K said, the icons are sometimes called 'windows into heaven', but they are not just of people (saints), but also of events.
In ancient times, when many people could not read, icons were a valuable part of teaching.
By the way, one of the oldest icons was done by the Apostle Luke, and is of Mary, mother of Jesus. So we actually DO know what she looked like.

Answer 2

Father K has already posted an answer superior to anything a sinner as I could say.

han_ko_b also makes fine points.

athanasius_was_right, it's the same for us Oriental Orthodox Christians anyway.

johnny_rico9, St. Luke wrote the first icon of the Lord and His Mother and we who are in The Church do indeed know what many of the saints look like.

spicante1234, in short, Orthodox only create icons or bass reliefs (like a picture carved in rock that comes out but isn't a complete 3D statue). That being said, if somebody gives an Orthodox Christian a statue he will probably thank them for their kindness anyway and put it somewhere or give it to someone else. I know my Orthodox priest has statues but they come from Roman Catholics. My priest accepts these gifts out of love. Hope that helped.

Also, you may like to visit: http://www.orthodoxchristianity.net/forum

Answer 3

Orthodox Christianity is ofcourse focussed on Christ not saints. Saints are seen as intermediaries, helpers, examples and inspirers. Much like we look to our fellow still living Christian brethren and sisters for guidance and support.

Orthodox icons are painted depictions of the saint and various attributes putting the saint into a certain "category" i.e. martyr. Orthodox Christians feel that because saints were human they have a good understanding of our circumstances as well as having a good understanding of God and are close to Him. Therefore they are seen as natural intermediaries not just in life, but even afterwards.

Answer 4

There are no 3D depictions of saints in Orthodoxy....only icons. They are more than just artistic renditions to the Orthodox worshiper...they are not painted...they are "written" - like the Word of God is "written". They are "windows into heaven" for the Orthodox.

Answer 5

Orthodox and Byzantine Rite Catholics use icons rather than statues. I know 'cause I'm a BRC.

Answer 6

I am not Eastern Orthodox, but those I know and the times I have seen their services, they use only images, not statues.

Ath

Answer 7

If you're interested, this is a forum for Orthodox Christians, you may find more answers here...

http://foru.ms/f145-the-ancient-way-eastern-orthodox.html

Answer 8

I am Orthodox we don't use statues

Answer 9

You're really not supposed to use anything

a picture to represent Jesus, or a picture to represent God,
has the artist really seen either?

Answer 10

Why not we all have great taste in these things.