How to Read an Icon

An icon is an image that raises the mind to its Prototype; the honour paid to the image passes to the Prototype (St Basil the Great). An icon is not a “portrait” and does not guarantee the result of prayer: prayer is addressed to God and the saints, not to board and paint.

Inverse perspective gathers space toward the viewer; the gold background signifies divine light; the halo, holiness. Colours: gold and white — divine glory, red — sacrifice and kingship, blue — the heavenly, mystery; colour meanings are an interpretive tradition, not strict dogma.

Inscriptions authenticate the image: IC XC (Jesus Christ), ΜΡ ΘΥ (Mother of God), “Ο ΩΝ” (He Who Is) in Christ's halo. The saint's name is written beside the figure.