"Veneration, Not Worship" Series PART 12: Miraculous Icons are NOT Demonic Manifestations despite Heterodox Claims

Throughout history, the Eastern Orthodox Church has borne witness to the miraculous phenomenon of weeping icons—sacred images of Christ, the Theotokos, or the saints that exude fragrant myrrh or tears. These manifestations, often occurring during times of spiritual crisis or persecution, are not demonic deceptions, as some heterodox voices suggest. Rather, they are signs of divine mercy and mourning—God's grace made tangible through His saints and the Holy Spirit. Rooted in centuries of Orthodox experience, verified by episcopal oversight, and often accompanied by calls to repentance, healing, and renewal, these miracles affirm the living presence of Christ in His Church and the intercessory power of the Theotokos.

As St. John of Damascus wrote, “We do not worship matter, but the Creator of matter, who for our sake became material and through matter worked our salvation.” (On the Divine Images, I.16) — this reverence extends to icons, which God at times allows to become vessels of wonder. To accuse these sacred signs of demonic origin is not only a misunderstanding of Orthodox sacramentality, but a rejection of the Church’s historical and spiritual testimony.

The Mystery of Weeping Icons in Eastern Orthodox Tradition

In Eastern Orthodox Christianity, the phenomenon of weeping icons—holy images that miraculously produce tears, myrrh, or even blood—is regarded as a profound sign of divine intervention. These occurrences are not considered mere superstitions but are viewed within the framework of Sacred Tradition, which holds that God manifests His presence through physical signs. Weeping icons are often interpreted as messages from God, the Theotokos (Mother of God), or the saints, calling the faithful to repentance, prayer, and deeper devotion.

Theological and Biblical Foundation

Orthodox theology emphasizes that the divine can work through material reality, which is why icons themselves are venerated. The weeping of an icon is understood as a form of divine communication, much like the miracles of healing relics or incorruptible saints. The phenomenon finds precedent in Scripture—such as in the tears of Christ (Luke 19:41) and miraculous signs given to believers (Acts 2:17-19). Within this sacred worldview, a weeping icon is not an idol but a vessel through which God reveals His will, often occurring before times of crisis, war, or spiritual decline.

Historical Accounts and Church Recognition

Throughout history, numerous documented cases of weeping icons have been investigated by Orthodox hierarchs. Some of the most famous include:

• The Iveron Myrrh-Streaming Icon (Montreal, 1982-1997) – This icon miraculously emitted fragrant myrrh for over 15 years, drawing thousands of pilgrims.
  
  

• The Weeping Icon of Chicago (1986) – A depiction of the Theotokos that began shedding tears, interpreted as a warning of suffering and a call to repentance.
  
  

• The Kardiotissa Icon of the Mother of God – A miraculous myrrh-streaming icon in Greece known for healing miracles.
  
  

The Purpose and Spiritual Impact

The Church does not hastily declare a weeping icon to be a miracle but thoroughly investigates each case. When deemed authentic, the event serves as a catalyst for spiritual renewal, drawing believers closer to Christ. Many Orthodox Christians see these events as reminders of God's mercy, a call to repentance, or an affirmation of the reality of His presence among His people.

In summary, weeping icons are deeply rooted in Orthodox Sacred Tradition, reinforcing the Church’s understanding of God’s continued work through the physical world. Far from being objects of idolatry, these icons point beyond themselves to divine truths, reminding the faithful of the presence and love of God in times of trial and uncertainty.

Summary

Venerating an icon in faith does not violate the Ten Commandments because Orthodox Christian iconography serves as a means of honoring God and the saints, rather than worshiping an object in and of itself. The Second Commandment forbids the making of graven images for the purpose of idolatrous worship (Exodus 20:4-5). However, the Orthodox understanding of icons is entirely different from idolatry. Idols in biblical times were created as physical representations of false gods, and they were worshiped as deities in themselves. In contrast, icons are not believed to contain divinity, nor are they worshiped. Instead, they function as windows to heaven, pointing beyond themselves to the divine reality they represent.

The distinction between veneration (dulia) and worship (latria) has been affirmed by Church Fathers such as St. John of Damascus, who explained that honor given to an icon passes to the prototype—the person depicted, not the material object. The same principle applies to how Christians show respect for the Bible, the cross, or even holy places without violating God’s commandments. Just as the Israelites venerated the Ark of the Covenant, the Temple, and the bronze serpent (Numbers 21:8-9) without worshiping them, Orthodox Christians venerate icons as sacred reminders of God’s presence. Therefore, properly understood, the veneration of icons is not a violation of the Ten Commandments but a biblically rooted practice that affirms the Incarnation of Christ, who made the invisible God visible (John 1:14).