iEcclesia presents the first of a two-part program on iconography. From the Orthodox Christian who sees them every Sunday to the person who walks into an Orthodox Church for the first time, one of the things which are noticed inside our Churches are icons. They are found inside churches, in our home and even in our vehicles and on our person. Iconography is described in so many ways by various people. They have endured persecution, but have remained an important aspect of the Orthodox Church. Host Nick Asimenios, along with guest Rev. Fr. Theodore Koufos, begin the discussion with a definition of an icon and its historical development. Next, the period of great persecution over the use of icons, known as iconoclasm, is explained and how it impacted the Church then and now in our worship, including some abuses which occurred. Finally, the episode concludes with a word on how we should respect and venerate icons.

Watch for the conclusion of this program on a future broadcast.