oth the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church permit the use of
icons in their worship and devotional practices. Both churches see icons as a form of visual representation that helps believers in their spiritual journey and understanding of the divine. Icons are considered to be windows into heaven that connect the earthly realm with the heavenly realm. They are believed to mediate the presence and blessings of the saints and ultimately lead believers to the divine.
However, there are some differences in the ways icons are used and understood in each tradition. In the Roman Catholic Church, icons are often used as aids in personal meditation and devotion. They can be found in churches and homes, and believers may pray in front of them, seeking the intercession and prayers of the saints depicted in the icons. The Catholic Church also has strict guidelines and processes for determining the authenticity and religious significance of icons.
In the Eastern Orthodox Church, icons hold a more prominent role in liturgical worship. They are seen as worthy of veneration and are used extensively in church services. Orthodox Christians might kiss or bow to an icon as a sign of reverence, but they do not worship the icon itself. Rather, the veneration is directed towards the person or saint represented in the icon, acknowledging their presence and seeking their intercession.
Overall, both the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church value and allow the use of icons as a means of deepening spiritual connection and understanding. Icons play a significant role in the religious practices and traditions of both churches, although there might be some variations in their specific usage and interpretations.