This small monograph represents one of the attempts to comprehend the Orthodox icon as an integral part of the tradition and liturgics of the Church. The chapters of a book are separate articles and notes written at different times and connected by a common theme. Therefore, the book could not avoid repetitions, which, however, are variants that complement each other. The author’s task did not include analysis and assessment of the artistic merits of works of fine art; therefore, he did not dwell on their aesthetic and psychological significance, but tried to consider them only from the position of Orthodox iconography. Violation of the canons of icon painting or replacing spiritual experiences with spiritual, aesthetic, emotional-sensual, etc. or turns the icon into a means of information, i.e. illustrations of the biblical text or, what is even more dangerous, it contributes to false mysticism, deformation and distortion in the contemplation of the spiritual world, in some cases - contacting our subconscious with the demonic sphere (paintings by Vrubel and Dali on religious themes). Source: