Roman Catholics and Icons

[hazcompat]

peace

 

[puzzleannie]

I do

How should I as a Byzantine interface with a community that abuses or mistreats it’s Icons. By this I mean, I’ve been to many Roman Catholic parishes or communities that have Icons, perhaps even handpainted icons that are never reverenced, or a used as decorative pieces of artwork?

how do you know such a community does not “reverence” their icons? how do you know they were placed there solely as decoration, any more than other traditional religious devotional pieces like statues? How do you know what is in the mind and heart of the pastor who chose the icon, or the faithful who venerate it and are inspired by it? Who has appointed you to the office of educating them about icons. fyi most Catholics who are attracted to and inspired by icons are motivated to learn more about their history, creation, meaning, and veneration, so I am not sure where you come by your generalized assumptions.

If you are speaking of Christians who visit your own Eastern Church and do not observe the same outward, observable, devotional rituals toward icons that are part of your tradition, if that is essential to their participation in your liturgy, surely it is the office of the pastor to educate those who wish to be part of it. As for casual visitors, you still make a huge assumption about their inward reverence and attitude on the basis of outward behavior.

you might also help instruct by providing material on “proper veneration for icons” that distinguishes from correct liturgical practice, and cultural or ethnic traditions from communities of traditional Eastern rites.

 

[hazcompat]

I don’t think many Roman Catholics see Icons as Byzantines or Copts do. Many regard them as religious artwork like any baroque or renaissance artist, which is unfortunate. Aside from education and catechesis both on a personal and group level, should we go about generating a veneration of the Holy Icons or at least a respect from Roman Catholics.

How should I as a Byzantine interface with a community that abuses or mistreats it’s Icons. By this I mean, I’ve been to many Roman Catholic parishes or communities that have Icons, perhaps even handpainted icons that are never reverenced, or a used as decorative pieces of artwork?

I am a Roman Catholic. When you “interface” assume that i am intelligent but uninformed. What a beautiful hue and aroma the proper use of icons. I appreciate the education and edification.

peace