Icons of the gates, gates of the icons
In most churches and monasteries, the entrance gates are guarded by the icon of the patron saint or the feast, those painted there guarding not only the places of worship but also those who enter. Safeguarding the entrances and the exits, the icons gain the status of genuine and invincible watchmen, guiding the steps of the pilgrims of all times and places, and this is one of the reasons why the icons are associated with the gates of the monasteries and churches. From another point of view, the icons can be seen as gates, through which the kingdom of heaven communicates with this world, being present through sacred faces and symbols, bringing the past and the future to this time, today. The present study aims to point out some aspects regarding the fact that the icons from the gates of the holy places can be the very gates to the kingdom of heaven...
MIHAELA PALADE
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