Venerating icons

[Dimitris]

Hallo!

If we venerate an icon of a saint we kiss that depiction of that saint (I personally place the kiss about in the chest area of the saint's body, is that appropriate?) and thus venerate the saint himself. But when we take for example the Christmas icon, what do we exactly venerate when kissing it? Do we venerate the specific persons depicted on that icon or do we venerate the event, the scene as a whole which is depicted on that icon? If it is meant like that we venerate the scene as a whole, then what would be the proper area on the icon to put the kiss onto it?

Another example: According to new calendar, yesterday was the feast of the Three Hierarchs. On the icon of the Three Hierarchs, is it appropriate or meant to venerate each saint individually and thus putting three individual kisses onto the icon or is it meant to kiss the icon only once and thus venerate "the meaning" the Three Hierarchs had and have for our Church?

Or am I maybe just thinking too much with my head and too less with my heart?

Kind regards,
Dimitris

[Irene]

Generally, the Icon or event as a whole is all that you need to venerate Dimitris, since there are many, many Saints on some Icons.

Although when the Icon is either the Theotokos and the Baby Jesus or when the Icon is of two Saints I usually venerate them both separately. Also, I was told to kiss the feet of the Saints if depicted.

If you wish to venerate the Saints separately then do, what harm can it do ... except hold up the line waiting to venerate the Icon a little, in which case just go last. :)

In Christ
irene

[Dimitris]

Thank you very much, Irene. Your advise seems very fair to me.

Kind regards,
Dimitris

[Olga]

Hello Dimitris

I might also add that it is considered improper to kiss an icon over the saint's mouth or face. Kissing the saint's hand is OK.

[Rebecca Gabl]

Someone told me that you should always kiss the feet of whoever is depicted in the icon. But someone else said that you should kiss the feet of Christ and the hands of the saints, angels, etc. Is there really any right or wrong, or doesn't it matter?