Song of the Eastern Icons by Lydia Markos in the Key of A
A hymn that explores the theology and history of icons in the Eastern Christian tradition, especially the defense of sacred images during the iconoclast controversies of the eighth and ninth centuries.
Opening line of Song of the Eastern Icons: Colors of earth and sky gather on the wooden panel to tell the story of the unseen King.
Closing line of Song of the Eastern Icons: May our lives become living icons that reflect your mercy into every shadowed place.
Bible Verses Related to Song of the Eastern Icons: Colossians 1:15 | Hebrews 1:1-3
Thoughts about Song of the Eastern Icons: This hymn recalls the period when the use of icons in worship was fiercely debated, with emperors and bishops divided over whether images honored or dishonored God. It explains that defenders of icons pointed to the incarnation, arguing that because the Son took visible flesh, art could point faithfully to divine realities. The text uses the language of light, color, and gaze to describe how icons invite prayer and contemplation. It encourages worshipers to see their own lives as images that can reflect Christ to the world.
Thoughts about Song of the Eastern Icons by famous people:
John of Damascus | When the invisible One becomes visible in the flesh you may then draw a likeness of Him || Theodore the Studite | Honor shown to the icon passes to the prototype