The Holy Qurbono
THE IMAGES OF THE SAINTS
A distinctive expression of the resurrection’s significance in the Eastern Churches is seen in the decoration of the church. In the ancient Church, particularly in the old Basilicas in Rome and other places, it was customary to depict Christ in glory in the apse at the East end of the church, alongside the Mother of God and the saints. This arrangement ensured that the people’s gaze was always directed towards the Risen Christ and the glory of the Resurrection.
These representations were typically created in paintings or mosaics, with the purpose being to focus on the Risen Christ and His Mystical Body, rather than to individually honour the saints. Over time, as the veneration of individual saints grew in prominence within the Eastern Church, the saints began to be depicted on painted icons, which were highly revered. However, sculpture in the round was not traditionally used in the East.
This distinction marks a difference in tradition between the East and West, both of which have their rightful place within the Church and deserve preservation.
Note:
The use of statues as objects of devotion was introduced into the Western Church during the late Middle Ages. In the context of the liturgical movement in the West, which seeks to restore the liturgy and the environment of Christian worship to their original forms, it has been proposed that there should be a return to the use of paintings for decorating the sanctuary, in keeping with the spirit of the liturgy. Meanwhile, statues as objects of veneration could be placed in shrines located in other parts of the church.