Jessica Schmessica...We got a royal wedding to look forward to!

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by honeychile

Does anyione know why there's an icon in Westminster Abbey? It's shown during the singing of "God Save the Queen". I was under the impression that icons are only properly seen in Orthodox Churches or by members.

While icons are certainly a prominent feature of Orthodox churches, they are also seen in Anglican/Episcopal churches and Catholic churches. I've also seen them in them in Presbyterian, Methodist and Lutheran contexts as well.

I think, though, you'll only see an iconostasis (icon screen separating the altar area from the rest of the church) in Orthodox or Eastern Rite Catholic churches.

[AlphaFrog]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

While icons are certainly a prominent feature of Orthodox churches, they are also seen in Anglican/Episcopal churches and Catholic churches. I've also seen them in them in Presbyterian, Methodist and Lutheran contexts as well.

I think, though, you'll only see an iconostasis (icon screen separating the altar area from the rest of the church) in Orthodox or Eastern Rite Catholic churches.

I've never seen one in a Lutheran church, and if there was one, I bet my good buddy Martin rolled in his grave. They aren't theologically correct for Lutherans. Well, I guess the Jesus ones are ok, but I'm betting that when they show up in Lutheran churches, it was a well-meaning parishioner who thought they had found a pretty picture of Jesus.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by honeychile

I must haqve missed her father doing so - I know that's how it's usually done.

He did it during the first hymn. whilst the cameras were focused elsewhere.

In my many years of "examining" various churches, I have never seen an icon outside of a brand of Orthodoxy (or in the home of a follower of Orthodoxy). That shocks me - especially the Presbyterian & Methodist!

LOL, I know right? John Knox would be horrified.

FWIW, I've never seen one as a permanent fixture in the sanctuary proper of a Presbyterian, Methodist or Lutheran church. I've seen them in chapels -- particularly chapels intended mainly for personal prayer -- and in the main sanctuary only on particular occasions. I may be overstating this, but I wonder if (at least among the Presbyterian contexts where I've seen them used) their use is largely due to the influence of the Taizé Community. A Taizé-style prayer service is exactly the sort of context in which I've seen them used.

I know of a number of Anglican/Episcopal and Catholic churches that have them -- they are used in much the same way as statues (or like could be seen in Westminster Abbey). I can't think of an Anglican or Catholic church where they are as prominent as they would be in an Orthodox church, with one exception. The San Damiano cross has a very strong Franciscan connection, and I know of a number of Catholic churches where the central crucifix is a San Damiano cross.

As for personal use, this Presbyterian has three icons -- the Old Testament Trinity, Christ Pantocrator and a San Damiano cross.