The term is used in a number of contexts and means an image or representation of something or someone of greater significance, but in the more restricted sense in which it is understood, it means a sacred image representing Christ, the Virgin Mary, saints and angels, as well as narrative scenes from the Old and the New Testament. While the icons still contain material aspects, like paint and colour, we are taught not to reject our physical life but instead to transform it, as was done by the holy people represented by the icons. The word Icon, which derives from the Greek word 'Eikon', is a religious work of art in Eastern Orthodox Christianity and Catholicism. Icons are a 'window to heaven' and they help us to focus on the divine things. The Orthodox Church uses icons to assist in worship. Icons can only be created with the blessing of the Church, as they are writings of Truth. This is done so that we can look beyond appearances of the world, and instead look to the spiritual truth of the holy person or event. Orthodox icons, unlike Western pictures, change the perspective and form of the image so that it is not naturalistic. They can also represent the Holy Trinity, Angels, the Heavenly hosts, and even events.

Icons can represent our Lord Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, and the Saints. Theyare in fact writings of things not of this world. Therefore, Icons are not drawings or creations of imagination.

Άγιο, meaning Holy or not of this world (Heavenly).

The Greek word for 'Icon' is, 'Αγιογραφία,' which can be separated into two words:

They are expressions of Orthodox Faith, teaching, and worship. Icons are representations of the Heavenly. Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Muskegon, MI The largest selection of traditional byzantine Orthodox icons of Christ, Festal, Most Holy Theotokos and Orthodox Saints, handcrafted by the nuns of the.