July 15, 2002
The Pious Pastors, and
The Esteemed Parish Council
Members of
the Holy Diocese of Denver
Beloved in the Lord,
As I review the many pieces of correspondence that are received at the Diocese Office I have become concerned about the increasing use of icons on stationery.
It seems that more and more parishes, church organizations, and individuals are using icons—often very nice ones and even in full color—to adorn their business and personal stationery.
This should be a matter of concern for us as pastors and as leaders in the Church for several reasons.
First and foremost, icons are not art
or adornment
that should be
used to embellish personal items or logos. I am certain our faithful
who use icons on their stationery do not mean any disrespect, and indeed
most likely believe that they are doing something good.
However, the vast majority of all letters are eventually thrown in the trash. It saddens me to think of the countless pieces of stationery with such beautiful color icons on them that now lie in the garbage dumps of our cities, surrounded by, and covered in, the waste and refuse of our society.
As Orthodox Christians we respect and venerate the sacred images, recognizing that the honor shown to these reflects upon the saints, the Mother of God, and our Lord who are depicted. Although people who place icons on their stationery and business cards probably mean to honor these holy ones, I do not believe that these are the most appropriate means for doing so.
Accordingly, I ask that you no longer use icons on your parish letterhead, and instruct your faithful concerning this matter so that holy images in full color will not be inadvertently torn or trashed. You may, however, use line graphics limitedly, suggesting a particular holy icon, but not an image that is a holy icon.
With Paternal Blessings,
+Metropolitan Isaiah
Presiding Hierarch
of
the Diocese of Denver