Icon in orthodox tradition – In orthodox theology is a man taken as a picture of God. It is created by a perfect God to be – according to biblical words – His image and to have His appearance. A man has his model in consummate perfect God. God – Jesus Christ appeared in a body and dwells with people. Embodied God can be pictured as he was and is visible to human eyes. An every man’s task is to become – with God’s help - alike Christ. An icon shows a mien of a man penetrated by this mercy, God’s energy, “fire of engoding”.
When we stand in front of a secular picture, it effects us only psychologically, it effects our soul. Icon, on the other hand, effects us also spiritually, it is composed to draw us in, it brings us to contemplation. It makes it with both means of expression and arts. Figure of saints have mild and quiet gesture showing internal restraint, love without passion. The cheeks are litten by internal light, they are neither visionary nor exalt, but quiet, representing a desire of salvation, which is attended with harmonizing all human strength.
The story is situated to non-earthly setting, its circumstances are indicated by symbols, that have spiritual context. The reverse perspective is typical, solid gold background, hills. Quiet fire shine of engoding – theosis, is arranged by warm gilded colors, rhythmically alternating colored areas, that look calm and evoke taciturnity, stability in the middle of deep insecurity of earthly live.
