Theodora E.
26-04-2009, 02:22 AM
On another (non-Orthodox) forum I frequent, someone, knowing me to be Orthodox, asked me the following question, which I don't have the answer of. Her reading (probably in western Christian sources, I don't know the exact books) tells her that after one of the first four Ecumenical Councils, icons appeared that showed Christ in His two natures - the sides of His face were different, one side showing His humanity, and the other His Divinity.
I went to my books The Meaning of Icons (by Leonid Ouspensky and Vladimir Lossky) and Theology of the Icon (by Leonid Ouspensky) and nothing is mentioned about this. The Meaning of Icons does mention in a footnote in page 29 about icons after the First Ecumenical Council adding Alpha and Omega near Christ's head to show He is consubstantial with the Father, but that's the closest I came.
Any ideas? Links to actual icons of this type would be greatly appreciated.
I went to my books The Meaning of Icons (by Leonid Ouspensky and Vladimir Lossky) and Theology of the Icon (by Leonid Ouspensky) and nothing is mentioned about this. The Meaning of Icons does mention in a footnote in page 29 about icons after the First Ecumenical Council adding Alpha and Omega near Christ's head to show He is consubstantial with the Father, but that's the closest I came.
Any ideas? Links to actual icons of this type would be greatly appreciated.