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SANTU JACU ACADEMY
ICON
Introduction to Theology and the Art of the Icon
Christian iconography is a vast universe, in which one must move with prudence and humility, with the awareness that no one, however wise and expert can ever claim to know it entirely, nor can ever believe that he has learned everything and not have nothing more to learn. Like Sacred Scripture, even the icon, which is its mirror, always has something to tell us and teach us. The best attitude with which one should approach them is that of obedient and attentive listening, but also the respectful silence that must always envelop all that is sacred. The icon is not the fruit of only technical exercise but needs constant and continuous prayer, it is not only the work of man, but of the man who lets himself be guided by the breath of the Holy Spirit. This short text summarizes some fundamental themes related to the icon. The hope is that it will help those who wish to know something more about this ancient art, and its theological and spiritual meaning, to take the first steps on this journey
Image of God, Image of man. The icon between theology, anthropology and art.
Theology and icon art have played an important role in the history of the Church. As Saint Gregory of Nyssa said: silent painting speaks from the walls and does great good. This word that the icon shouts from the walls of churches as well as from Christian homes is the Word of God. A word that challenges us, that asks to be heard, to come to life. A word that has always, since its origins, reminded us of the revealed truth, and is a visible testimony of the great mystery of faith. The icon in its epiphanic and sacramental dimension makes the One it represents present and in the mediation of faith becomes a privileged channel of relationship with God. It tirelessly repeats that God became man for our salvation. The path developed in this work was intended to show the spiritual strength of the icon. We have passed from the biblical meaning of the image, and from the theology of the image in the reflection of the Eastern and Western Fathers, to the pronouncements of the Councils, above all in the light of the Mystery of the Incarnation. From these considerations, especially from the last one, also derives a notable anthropological, theological and eschatological reflection.
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