Embracing Icons: A Journey of Spiritual Growth

I took this picture of The Trinity Icon while visiting Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Nashville, TN.

While it is often discombobulating to step outside my comfort zone, I’ve found it is an important part of spiritual formation. In Biblical stories, God encourages forward movement. God requested Abram to move from Ur (Genesis 12:1), and Moses was encouraged to confront the Pharaoh (Exodus 3). Then we have a desolate Elijah who wants to give up (1 Kings 19:9-18). He was miraculously given food and allowed to rest but nudged onward to continue his spiritual journey. As much as God loves stillness, God also knows the importance of faith within action.

Icon of Elijah at the cave. 1 Kings 19:9-18

Spiritual growth means being open to trying new things, facing our fears, and growing in ways you might not expect.

In the popular TV show Friends, there’s a well-known episode where Ross, Rachel and Chandler are attempting to move a couch up a set of winding stairs to the apartment. Ross yells for them to “pivot” several times. The couch gets stuck on the stairs. Chandler asks, “What did you mean when you said ‘pivot?’” Laughter ensues. It is one of their most successful comedy sketches.

There is a danger of getting stuck or giving up if we don’t learn to “pivot” in our religious lives as well.

Growing up in the Protestant church, discussing icons always seemed to be a taboo subject. Not that it was taught that way in the Methodist church I grew up in, but I heard many discussions about Catholics “worshipping statues” or Orthodox churches “worshipping portraits.” It was discussed in a negative light as in a type of idolatry. As a result, when I first joined the Episcopal church, icons were an uncomfortable subject for me.

Even so, I tried to keep an open mind. Eventually, I picked up a short book on icons by Richard Rohr. I read his description of The Trinity icon. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit was shown sitting at a table. There was space at the table for me, the viewer. I felt the Holy Spirit stirring within me and was surprised at the tears of joy which streamed down my face. I felt loved. Cherished. I felt seen and known by God. He was a mysterious entity and yet I felt as if I knew Him. I sat with this paradox. I had a place at the table with The Triune God. I was part of the relationship.

I found another way to worship. It’s still a relatively new concept for me to appreciate icons, but I’m learning to open myself to the possibilities, slowly, but surely.

Recently, I bought my first icon, as you may have guessed, The Trinity.

I experienced a connection to the Divine by use of icons and I would have missed it if I simply labeled it as “bad” and kept closed minded.

I also visited Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church for their Part 1 Iconography class. Pictures will be posted on my next blog post.

Exploring new ways to worship can enrich your spiritual journey. Appreciating icons is just one path to deepening our faith. It’s still a relatively new concept for me, but I look forward to learning more.

As you open yourself to these possibilities, consider how you can move forward in your spiritual life today. Reflect on what resonates with you and take small steps to incorporate these practices into your daily routine. Embrace the journey of discovery, and let your faith grow in new and meaningful ways.

Thought, Word & Deed

A newsletter by Katie Rea.