Is the 'New Testament Trinity' icon canonical?

[Jonathan Companik]

This isn't a "text" question per se, but it is a more narrow, specialized inquiry so I figured it belonged in this forum. If not, the administrators can move it.

There seems to be a good deal of debate over the "canonicity" of the icon mentioned in the title of this thread. What can anyone tell me about the historical origins of this conflict, and would the more informed on this topic kindly summarize their opinions as to the icon's appropriateness and doctrinal correctness (or lack thereof) for the Church, with reasons for those opinions?

Also, when, where and how did this icon first come into circulation? Thank you very much in advance for all your help.

[M.C. Steenberg]

Dear Mr Companik,

Thank you for your post. You may be interested to read some of the discussion on this icon that has taken place here previously, as a 'way in' to various reflections (many offered by iconographers), using these to formulate more specific questions or thoughts you might have.

The thread which has most bearing is likely this: Icons of Trinity (http://www.monachos.net/forum/showthread.php?t=5677). However, there are a few others in which it has been discussed (which you might wish to search through with the forum search feature (http://www.monachos.net/forum/search.php)).

Of course, you are warmly welcomed to carry on those conversations - either in those threads, or here if youv'e further questions specifically on the icon, etc.

INXC, Dcn Matthew