Jim Forest, a convert to the Russian Orthodox Church, provides a succinct and profound overview of the use of icons in this tradition. For Orthodox Christians, these art forms have long been a visual meditation and an aid to prayer and worship. Forest also sees them as physical objects that provide bridges to Christ, links with the saints, and reminders of significant events in the history of salvation.
Using icons, which are illustrated with both color plates and black and white photographs, the author ponders the mystical meanings of the Annunciation, the Nativity, the Raising of Lazarus, the Transfiguration, the Descent of the Holy Spirit, and much more. This book will enable you to re-envision the importance of beauty, reverence, and attention as important spiritual practices. It also contains a series of prayers that can be used with the icons.
