It is well known that icons have been recognised

[Mary Naeem]

Pope Shenouda III

It is well known that icons have been recognised since the Apostolic Era. It is said that St. Luke the Evangelist was an artist and that he portrayed more than one picture of the Virgin Mary. Tradition tells us about the image of the face of the Lord Jesus Christ imprinted on a handkerchief.

If you study the history of icons you will find that the strongest eras in faith were those in which people venerated icons. Their faith was not affected but on the contrary, they were virtuous people.

Why should we deprive artists from sharing in activating the spiritual life of people? Pictures give spiritual feelings that affect the soul and effectively transfer to people the life-stories of saints.