Light and Prayer in Icons

Level of Education of Students Involved

Undergraduate

Faculty Sponsor

Jim Nelson

College

Arts and Sciences

Discipline(s)

Psychology, Religion, Theology

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Symposium Date

Spring 4-25-2024

Abstract

In the Orthodox Christian religion, icons are essential to the Orthodox faith and devotion. Icons are found in churches, homes, and prayer rooms. Many believe icons are just ordinary works of art depicting Christ and other Saints, yet icons are items of devotion and prayer to God. Icons invite viewers into relation with the Creator and are windows to the spiritual realm. The icons are painted by believers of God and are devoted to God with paint colors, depictions of Holy figures, and where light is exemplified. Instead of ordinary works of art, icons are textual art that tell a spiritual story through aspects of divine light. This poster investigates interaction of prayer and light in icons. Two icons in particular, “The Transfiguration” and “The Virgin of the Vladimir” invite viewers into prayer and use immaculate aspects of light to represent divinity. Both icons exhibit colors of gold and white pigments that depict the divine nature and unnatural light of Christ and the Virgin Mary. These aspects of light are intentionally honoring God and His divine power. They invite viewers into a spiritual fellowship with the Creator and they are a call to prayer. Icons ultimately provide divine communication to the spiritual realm by leading viewers to prayer and repentance.

Biographical Information about Author(s)

Abby Manak is a junior social work major with a psychology minor. She is completing research with Professor Jim Nelson in the Valpo Psychology Department. She is completing research on iconology in the Orthodox Christian faith. This interest is from multiple courses in Abby's time abroad in Athens, Greece.

Jim Nelson is a professor in Valparaiso University's Psychology Department. At the university, Professor Nelson directed the clinical mental health counseling program for 10 years and served as director of the VU China overseas program on 3 occasions. He was also the founding chairperson of the university's interdisciplinary program in the neurosciences. Professor Nelson has been working with students on research and other professional opportunities.

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