Easter Icons

"Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!"

As is often the case, art mimics life. Easter is the most important feast in the liturgical year for Catholics and Christians so it's not surprising that some of the world's most beautiful artwork has its basis in religious practice. Icons are probably one of my favourite types of art because of their unique style in portraying religious subjects. Icons are painted images of important religious figures such as Christ, angels and saints, and the devil. They also can portray biblical scenes, the parables of Christ and famous feast days. Like most religious art icons serve many purposes; they beautify churches and religious buildings, aid us in prayer, instruct us in the faith, and encourage the practice of virtue. You can read more about this on the Functions of Icons webpage.


One last note. I have chosen to write about icons today because they are an art form that has helped me in the practice of my faith. However, Orthodox Christians will not be celebrating Easter this Sunday, March 31,  with the Roman Rite church. For Orthodox Christians, their season of Lent is just beginning, and Easter will celebrated May 5 this year. This is because the Roman Catholic Church follows the Gregorian calendar which the Orthodox Church does not. Most Orthodox Churches use the Julian Calendar.