The invisible Son became visible
The Orthodox case centers on the one eternal Son who truly became human. An icon represents that person through his visible human appearance.
Key points
- Before: God's invisible essence cannot be captured by lines, color, or a finite shape.
- Incarnation: The Son assumed real humanity and was seen and touched. His humanity is his own, not a separate human person.
- Depiction: The image refers to the incarnate Son without claiming that pigments contain his divine essence.
- This explains why depiction can be coherent. A further argument from tradition and ecclesial authority is needed for veneration as a norm.