{"id":4421,"date":"2024-12-12T15:43:03","date_gmt":"2024-12-12T13:43:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vb.vpba.edu.ua\/?p=4421"},"modified":"2025-02-13T11:27:23","modified_gmt":"2025-02-13T09:27:23","slug":"the-functions-of-icon-in-the-context-of-theological-reflections","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vb.vpba.edu.ua\/uk\/the-functions-of-icon-in-the-context-of-theological-reflections\/","title":{"rendered":"\u0424\u0443\u043d\u043a\u0446\u0456\u0457 \u0456\u043a\u043e\u043d\u0438 \u0432 \u043a\u043e\u043d\u0442\u0435\u043a\u0441\u0442\u0456 \u0431\u043e\u0433\u043e\u0441\u043b\u043e\u0432\u0441\u044c\u043a\u043e\u0433\u043e \u043e\u0441\u043c\u0438\u0441\u043b\u0435\u043d\u043d\u044f"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n
Viktoria Golovei<\/summary>\n

Doctor of Philosophical Sciences, Professor, Department of Cultural Studies in Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University \/ Professor of the Department of Humanities and Practical Disciplines of Volyn Orthodox Theological Academy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

v_golovey@ukr.net | ORCID: 0000-0002-8224-5970<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Number DOI: http:\/\/doi.org\/10.33209\/2519-4348-2707-9627-2022-10-112<\/p>\n\n\n\n

VB. – \u2116 10, 2022. – P. 31-45<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The analysis of functional aspect of icon is of particular importance for understanding its meaning and purpose. In this context, the study of icon functions, the identification of their unique specificity are updated. The purpose of our article is to systematize the main icon functions in the context of the analysis of their theological interpretation. It is substantiated that the issue of functional purpose of icon was of great importance for Christian culture and constantly attracted the attention of theologians. The analysis of icon functions proves that they are significantly different from the functions of secular art. The functional purpose of icons goes far beyond their material concreteness, artistic qualities and even religious and cult context. Their functional specificity is determined, in our opinion, by the special ontological and axiological status of icon as a form of sacred art. It is the ontological connection of the icon with the sacred prototype that enables its main ritual and sacral functions: dogmatic, liturgical, prayerful, charismatic, anagogical, miracle-working. Icons also have such common functions of art as didactic, informative, commemorative, compensatory, cognitive, aesthetic, etc. However, the content and nature of such icon functions are quite specific. Their specificity was determined by the essential connection of icon with its prototype and the ontological nature of the experience of communication with God mediated by them. All functions of sacred art are closely related; they not only interact, but also mutually condition each other. Therefore, they must be highlighted in inseparable unity and dialectical interaction. The main functional purpose of icon is to represent the Divine, to express the holy, to actualize its presence in the dimension of human life, which integrates the fullness of its various functional aspects. A promising direction for further research on this issue is a comparative analysis of the positions of representatives of Orthodox and Catholic theology regarding the functions of church images.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key words: <\/strong>icon, icon functions, the sacred, sacral art, theological theory, ontology, representation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

References:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bondarevska I. (2005). Paradoksalnist estetychnoho v ukrainskii kulturi \u0425VII-\u0425VIII stolit (The paradoxical nature of the aesthetic in Ukrainian culture of the 17th-18th centuries.). K.: PARAPAN [in Ukrainian].<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2.         Bychkov V. (1999). 2000 let hristianskoj kultury sub specie aesthetica (2000 years of Christian culture subspecies of aesthetics): v 2-h t. T.1. Rannee hristianstvo. Vizantiya (Early Christianity. Byzantium.). M.\u2013SPb.: Universitetskaya kniga [\u0456n Russian].<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Bychkov V. (1991). Malaya istoriya vizantijskoj estetiki. Kiev: Put k istine [\u0456n Russian].<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4.         Vasylii Velykyi. Besida 19. Na den sviatykh soroka muchenykiv (Conversation 19. On the day of the holy forty martyrs.). https:\/\/www.truechristianity.info\/ua\/books\/basil_the_great_homilies_20.php<\/a>. URL: 20.08.2022 [in Ukrainian].<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5.         Holovei V. (2020). Syntez bohoslovskoho vchennia pro ikonu u tvorakh prepodobnoho Ioana Damaskyna (Synthesis of the theological teaching about the icon in the works of St. John Damascene). Volynskyi Blahovisnyk: bohoslovsko-istorychnyi naukovyi zhurnal Volynskoi pravoslavnoi bohoslovskoi akademii (Volyn Herald: the theological and historical scientific journal of the Volyn Orthodox Theological Academy)<\/em>. Lutsk: Vydavnytstvo EIK\u03a9N. \u2116 8 [in Ukrainian]. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

6.         Holovei V. (2013). Reprezentatsiia sakralnoho v mystetstvi: filosofsko-estetychnyi analiz : avtoref. dys. … d-ra filosof. Nauk (Representation of the sacred in art: a philosophical and aesthetic analysis: autoref. of thesis … Dr. of Fiolosophic science) : 09.00.08. Skhidnoukr. nats. un-t im. V. Dalia [in Ukrainian]. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

7.         Holovei V. (2014). Fenomenolohichna ta ontolohichna spetsyfika sakralnoho mystetstva. (Phenomenological and ontological specificity of sacred art). Naukovyi visnyk Chernivetskoho universytetu. Filosofiia.<\/em> (Scientific<\/em> Bulletin of Chernivtsi University. Philosophy.). <\/em>Vyp. 706\u2013707. URL: http:\/\/nbuv.gov.ua\/UJRN\/Nvchu_fil_2014_706-707_57<\/a>. \u0410ccessed: 15.07.2022 [in Ukrainian].<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8.         Deyaniya vselenskih soborov. (1996). (Acts of the Ecumenical Councils): v 4 t. 5-e izd. 1996. T. 4. Materialy VI Vselenskogo i VII Vselenskogo (2-go Nikejskogo) soborov. SPb.: Voskresenie, Palomnik [\u0456n Russian].<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9.         Dionisij Areopagit. (2002). O nebesnoj ierarhii (About the heavenly hierarchy) \/ Per. s grech. G. Prohorov. Dionisij Areopagit. Tvoreniya. SPb.: Aletejya [\u0456n Russian].<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10.       Dohmat 367-ty Sviatykh ottsiv Somoho Vselenskoho Soboru 787 roku v Konstantynopoli pro ikonoshanuvannia. (2008). Knyha pravyl sviatykh apostoliv, Vselenskykh i Pomisnykh soboriv, i sviatykh ottsiv<\/em> (Dogma of the 367 Holy Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council of 787 in Constantinople on icon veneration. The book of rules of the holy apostles, Ecumenical and Local Councils, and holy fathers<\/em>). K.: Vydavnychyi viddil UPTs KP. URL: https:\/\/parafia.org.ua\/biblioteka\/svyatoottsivski-tvory\/knyha-pravyl-svyatyh-apostoliv-vselenskyh-i-pomisnyh-soboriv-i-svyatyh-ottsiv\/#toc–367<\/a>. \u0410ccessed: 27.08.2022 [in Ukrainian].<\/p>\n\n\n\n

11.        Znovu vidnaity dushu Liturhii: Interviu z kardynalom Rattsingerom. (2001). (Rediscovering the Soul of the Liturgy: An Interview with Cardinal Ratzinger). Mizhnarodnyi bohoslovskyi chasopys \u00abKomunio\u00bb. Lviv (ukrainska versiia) [in Ukrainian]. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

12. Ioann Damaskyn, prep. (2001). Tri slova v zashchytu ikonopochytaniia (In Defense ofIcons)<\/em> \/ Per. s hrech. A. Bronzova. SPB.: Azbuka-klassika [\u0456n Russian]. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

13.       Kyevo-Pecherskyi pateryk. (1980). M.: Nauka [\u0456n Russian].<\/p>\n\n\n\n

14.       Knyha pravyl sviatykh apostoliv, Vselenskykh i Pomisnykh soboriv, i sviatykh ottsiv (The book of rules of the holy apostles, Ecumenical and Local Councils, and holy fathers).  K.: Vydavnychyi viddil UPTs KP, 2008. 368 s. URL: https:\/\/parafia.org.ua\/biblioteka\/svyatoottsivski-tvory\/knyha-pravyl-svyatyh-apostoliv-vselenskyh-i-pomisnyh-soboriv-i-svyatyh-ottsiv\/#toc–367<\/a>. \u0410ccessed: 26.08.2022 [in Ukrainian].<\/p>\n\n\n\n

15.       Lepakhin V. Funktsii ikony v Tserkvi, v derzhavnomu, hromadskomu ta osobystomu zhytti (Functions of the icon in the Church, in state, public and personal life). URL: https:\/\/ukrbukva.net\/38746-Funkcii-ikony.html \u0410ccessed: 28.08.2022. [in Ukrainian].<\/p>\n\n\n\n

16. Materialy VI Vselenskogo Sobora. (1996). SPb.: Palomnik [\u0456n Russian].<\/p>\n\n\n\n

17. Miliutin S. (2017). Ikona yak fenomen khrystyianskoi teorii piznannia i vizantiiskoi estetyky u doikonoborchyi period. Naukovi pratsi istorychnoho fakultetu Zaporizkoho natsionalnoho universytetu. <\/em> (The icon as a phenomenon of the Christian theory of knowledge and Byzantine aesthetics in the pre-iconoclastic period. Scientific works of the Faculty of History of Zaporizhzhya National University<\/em>). Vyp. 47 [in Ukrainian].<\/p>\n\n\n\n

18.       Stepovyk D. (2005). Ikonotvorchist ta ukrainske ikonomaliarstvo. Entsyklopediia istorii Ukrainy <\/em>(Icon-making and Ukrainian icon painting. Encyclopedia of the History of Ukraine<\/em>). T. 3. \/ Redkol.: V. A. Smolii (holova) ta in. NAN Ukrainy. Instytut istorii Ukrainy. K.: Naukova dumka, 2005. 672 s. URL: http:\/\/www.history.org.ua\/?termin=Ikonotvorchist. \u0410ccessed: 30.08.2022 [in Ukrainian].<\/p>\n\n\n\n

19. Cavarnos, Constantine (1992). The Functions of Icons. Orthodox Iconography. Belmont: Institute for Modern Greek and Byzantine Studies, 1992, pp. 30-35. \u0410ccessed: 05.08.2022. URL:  http:\/\/orthodoxinfo.com\/general\/icon_function.aspx<\/a> [in English].<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
View\/download PDF<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Number DOI: http:\/\/doi.org\/10.33209\/2519-4348-2707-9627-2022-10-112 VB. – \u2116 10, 2022. – P. 31-45 Summary The analysis of functional aspect of icon is of particular importance for understanding its meaning and purpose. In this context, the study of icon functions, the identification of their unique specificity are updated. The purpose of our article is to systematize the main icon functions in the context of the analysis of their theological interpretation. It is substantiated that the issue of functional purpose of icon was of great importance for Christian culture and constantly attracted the attention of theologians. The analysis of icon functions proves that they are significantly different from the functions of secular art. The functional purpose of icons goes far beyond their material concreteness, artistic qualities and even religious and cult context. Their functional specificity is determined, in our opinion, by the special ontological and axiological status of icon as a form of sacred art. It is the ontological connection of the icon with the sacred prototype that enables its main ritual and sacral functions: dogmatic, liturgical, prayerful, charismatic, anagogical, miracle-working. Icons also have such common functions of art as didactic, informative, commemorative, compensatory, cognitive, aesthetic, etc. However, the content and nature of such icon functions are quite specific. Their specificity was determined by the essential connection of icon with its prototype and the ontological nature of the experience of communication with God mediated by them. All functions of sacred art are closely related; they not only interact, but also mutually condition each other. Therefore, they must be highlighted in inseparable unity and dialectical interaction. The main functional purpose of icon is to represent the Divine, to express the holy, to actualize its presence in the dimension of human life, which integrates the fullness of its various functional aspects. A promising direction for further research on this issue is a comparative analysis of the positions of representatives of Orthodox and Catholic theology regarding the functions of church images. Key words: icon, icon functions, the sacred, sacral art, theological theory, ontology, representation. References: Bondarevska I. (2005). Paradoksalnist estetychnoho v ukrainskii kulturi \u0425VII-\u0425VIII stolit (The paradoxical nature of the aesthetic in Ukrainian culture of the 17th-18th centuries.). K.: PARAPAN [in Ukrainian]. 2.         Bychkov V. (1999). 2000 let hristianskoj kultury sub specie aesthetica (2000 years of Christian culture subspecies of aesthetics): v 2-h t. T.1. Rannee hristianstvo. Vizantiya (Early Christianity. Byzantium.). M.\u2013SPb.: Universitetskaya kniga [\u0456n Russian]. 3. Bychkov V. (1991). Malaya istoriya vizantijskoj estetiki. Kiev: Put k istine [\u0456n Russian]. 4.         Vasylii Velykyi. Besida 19. Na den sviatykh soroka muchenykiv (Conversation 19. On the day of the holy forty martyrs.). https:\/\/www.truechristianity.info\/ua\/books\/basil_the_great_homilies_20.php. URL: 20.08.2022 [in Ukrainian]. 5.         Holovei V. (2020). Syntez bohoslovskoho vchennia pro ikonu u tvorakh prepodobnoho Ioana Damaskyna (Synthesis of the theological teaching about the icon in the works of St. John Damascene). Volynskyi Blahovisnyk: bohoslovsko-istorychnyi naukovyi zhurnal Volynskoi pravoslavnoi bohoslovskoi akademii (Volyn Herald: the theological and historical scientific journal of the Volyn Orthodox Theological Academy). Lutsk: Vydavnytstvo EIK\u03a9N. \u2116 8 [in Ukrainian].  6.         Holovei V. (2013). Reprezentatsiia sakralnoho v mystetstvi: filosofsko-estetychnyi analiz : avtoref. dys. … d-ra filosof. Nauk (Representation of the sacred in art: a philosophical and aesthetic analysis: autoref. of thesis … Dr. of Fiolosophic science) : 09.00.08. Skhidnoukr. nats. un-t im. V. Dalia [in Ukrainian].  7.         Holovei V. (2014). Fenomenolohichna ta ontolohichna spetsyfika sakralnoho mystetstva. (Phenomenological and ontological specificity of sacred art). Naukovyi visnyk Chernivetskoho universytetu. Filosofiia. (Scientific Bulletin of Chernivtsi University. Philosophy.). Vyp. 706\u2013707. URL: http:\/\/nbuv.gov.ua\/UJRN\/Nvchu_fil_2014_706-707_57. \u0410ccessed: 15.07.2022 [in Ukrainian]. 8.         Deyaniya vselenskih soborov. (1996). (Acts of the Ecumenical Councils): v 4 t. 5-e izd. 1996. T. 4. Materialy VI Vselenskogo i VII Vselenskogo (2-go Nikejskogo) soborov. SPb.: Voskresenie, Palomnik [\u0456n Russian]. 9.         Dionisij Areopagit. (2002). O nebesnoj ierarhii (About the heavenly hierarchy) \/ Per. s grech. G. Prohorov. Dionisij Areopagit. Tvoreniya. SPb.: Aletejya [\u0456n Russian]. 10.       Dohmat 367-ty Sviatykh ottsiv Somoho Vselenskoho Soboru 787 roku v Konstantynopoli pro ikonoshanuvannia. (2008). Knyha pravyl sviatykh apostoliv, Vselenskykh i Pomisnykh soboriv, i sviatykh ottsiv (Dogma of the 367 Holy Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council of 787 in Constantinople on icon veneration. The book of rules of the holy apostles, Ecumenical and Local Councils, and holy fathers). K.: Vydavnychyi viddil UPTs KP. URL: https:\/\/parafia.org.ua\/biblioteka\/svyatoottsivski-tvory\/knyha-pravyl-svyatyh-apostoliv-vselenskyh-i-pomisnyh-soboriv-i-svyatyh-ottsiv\/#toc–367. \u0410ccessed: 27.08.2022 [in Ukrainian]. 11.        Znovu vidnaity dushu Liturhii: Interviu z kardynalom Rattsingerom. (2001). (Rediscovering the Soul of the Liturgy: An Interview with Cardinal Ratzinger). Mizhnarodnyi bohoslovskyi chasopys \u00abKomunio\u00bb. Lviv (ukrainska versiia) [in Ukrainian].  12. Ioann Damaskyn, prep. (2001). Tri slova v zashchytu ikonopochytaniia (In Defense ofIcons) \/ Per. s hrech. A. Bronzova. SPB.: Azbuka-klassika [\u0456n Russian].  13.       Kyevo-Pecherskyi pateryk. (1980). M.: Nauka [\u0456n Russian]. 14.       Knyha pravyl sviatykh apostoliv, Vselenskykh i Pomisnykh soboriv, i sviatykh ottsiv (The book of rules of the holy apostles, Ecumenical and Local Councils, and holy fathers).  K.: Vydavnychyi viddil UPTs KP, 2008. 368 s. URL: https:\/\/parafia.org.ua\/biblioteka\/svyatoottsivski-tvory\/knyha-pravyl-svyatyh-apostoliv-vselenskyh-i-pomisnyh-soboriv-i-svyatyh-ottsiv\/#toc–367. \u0410ccessed: 26.08.2022 [in Ukrainian]. 15.       Lepakhin V. Funktsii ikony v Tserkvi, v derzhavnomu, hromadskomu ta osobystomu zhytti (Functions of the icon in the Church, in state, public and personal life). URL: https:\/\/ukrbukva.net\/38746-Funkcii-ikony.html \u0410ccessed: 28.08.2022. [in Ukrainian]. 16. Materialy VI Vselenskogo Sobora. (1996). SPb.: Palomnik [\u0456n Russian]. 17. Miliutin S. (2017). Ikona yak fenomen khrystyianskoi teorii piznannia i vizantiiskoi estetyky u doikonoborchyi period. Naukovi pratsi istorychnoho fakultetu Zaporizkoho natsionalnoho universytetu.  (The icon as a phenomenon of the Christian theory of knowledge and Byzantine aesthetics in the pre-iconoclastic period. Scientific works of the Faculty of History of Zaporizhzhya National University). Vyp. 47 [in Ukrainian]. 18.       Stepovyk D. (2005). Ikonotvorchist ta ukrainske ikonomaliarstvo. Entsyklopediia istorii Ukrainy (Icon-making and Ukrainian icon painting. Encyclopedia of the History of Ukraine). T. 3. \/ Redkol.: V. A. Smolii (holova) ta in. NAN Ukrainy. Instytut istorii Ukrainy. K.: Naukova dumka, 2005. 672 s. URL: http:\/\/www.history.org.ua\/?termin=Ikonotvorchist. \u0410ccessed: 30.08.2022 [in Ukrainian]. 19. Cavarnos, Constantine (1992). The Functions of Icons. Orthodox Iconography. Belmont: Institute for Modern Greek and Byzantine Studies, 1992, pp. 30-35. \u0410ccessed: 05.08.2022. URL:  http:\/\/orthodoxinfo.com\/general\/icon_function.aspx [in English].<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[89],"tags":[235],"class_list":["post-4421","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category--10-2022","tag-viktoria-golovei","post-no-thumbnail"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vb.vpba.edu.ua\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4421","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vb.vpba.edu.ua\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vb.vpba.edu.ua\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vb.vpba.edu.ua\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vb.vpba.edu.ua\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4421"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/vb.vpba.edu.ua\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4421\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5381,"href":"https:\/\/vb.vpba.edu.ua\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4421\/revisions\/5381"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vb.vpba.edu.ua\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4421"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vb.vpba.edu.ua\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4421"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vb.vpba.edu.ua\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4421"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}