The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church Icons -

The veneration of images (icons) is a part of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church tradition. But this veneration is directed not to the images as such, but to the holy persons whom they represent. The Orthodox venerates flat, two-dimensional icons; they do not pray to three-dimensional statues because these representations may be too realistic and may become in themselves idols of veneration. Images of our Blessed Virgin Mother, Her Son Jesus Christ, the Apostles, the angels and saints are not worshipped at all. The Orthodox adores no one but God. The image of the person venerated is honored only as a means for directing and increasing our homage and veneration towards that person and through him to God by whose grace he became what he was. We do not adore the figure of the sacred cross. Offerings of incense and light are given to the figure of the cross, to the holy books of the gospels, and to other sacred objects in order to do them an honor which passes to the person represented. By kissing or uncovering heads to the images of Christ, the Cross, the Virgin Mother of God and other saints we adore Christ and honor His mother and saints and angels. There are many pictures in the Ethiopian Churches. There may be seen Sant George with his horse, Sant Michael with his wings , and Sant Mary with Her Babe, and Christ hanging from the cross. These holy pictures are hung on walls in most homes and reverently kissed. A picture of Adam and Eve in the garden and of the Emperor will be found in many churches. In each church also there is of necessity a picture of the Tabot according to the name of the saint.

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