The Role of Images and the Veneration of Icons in the Oriental Orthodox Churches

Book excerpt: The aim of this book is to demonstrate the presence in the very ancient Eastern Churches of religious images of all kinds (icons, paintings, illuminations), including the representation of Christ, together with the veneration (not the adoration) of icons/images. Presented here are not only the iconographic but also the liturgical-and especially the Christological-dimensions of the icon on the basis of texts used by these four traditions down the centuries. In contrast to the Byzantine Orthodox world which, after a controversy on this subject, officially established the veneration of icons from the time of the Second Council of Nicaea (787) and in 843, these Churches did not experience Iconoclasm. Christine Chaillot is Swiss and Orthodox (Patriarchate of Constantinople). She has published several books on the Orthodox Churches and the Oriental Orthodox Churches. (Series: Studies on Oriental Orthodox Church History / Studien zur Orientalischen Kirchengeschichte, Vol. 55) [Subject: Religious Studies, Christian Studies, History, Iconography]