Some people can denounce Orthodox Christians for veneration of icons, referring to one of the ten commandments about the non-creation of an idol. In fact, a reverent attitude towards holy images is not a violation of this commandment, which the Church proclaims in the dogma of veneration of icons.
In the Christian Orthodox tradition, holy images (icons) should be treated with reverent treatment and veneration. The question of the depiction of God was raised in antiquity, and in the 7th-9th centuries in Byzantium, persecutions even began against those who worship holy icons. The heresy of iconoclasm arose, proclaiming that one should not worship holy images.
However, the Christian Church has given its own answer to this. Indeed, full service and reverent reverence befits only God. Icons should be treated with reverence and reverence to the extent that they are a "window" to the spiritual world. It is quite possible to depict God on the icons, because Christ was visibly on earth, the Holy Spirit manifested himself in the form of a dove, and the Father is described in the Old Testament as an old man. Thus, it turns out that the veneration of icons is ascended by the Orthodox not to wood and paints, not to a board and painting, but to the Personality itself, which is depicted on the icon. In Orthodox theology there is a statement that the honor of the icon goes back to the prototype. And it is precisely to the extent of reverence for the Personality that we can reverently relate to the icon itself, which depicts a particular Person.
In addition, holy icons are effective “helpers” for a person in prayer. Holy images seem to open the veil of the mysterious heavenly world and help a person mentally ascend to it. When the person praying is in front of him, it is much easier to pray. It is able to collect thoughts.
It is also necessary to realize that the possible grace-filled help that comes from some miraculous image is given not from the object, but from the Person depicted on it. For example, the Mother of God herself, through her certain icons, can help a person.
Thus, it turns out that the veneration of icons, according to the teachings of the Orthodox faith, is fully justified and understandable, and therefore the attitude towards the shrine should be appropriate.
