Strange icons

[Antony Krasimirov]

Hi guys.
What do you think of these medieval Orthodox icons from Bulgaria and Serbia? I am really interested, because i just got home from a Orthodox discussion about God and the possibility of aliens

 

[~Anastasia~]

Hello Anthony, and welcome to CF and to TAW.

I'm sorry to possibly disappoint you, but those icons have nothing to do with space aliens. They are representations of celestial bodies, iirc - the sun and moon.

Where did you find an Orthodox discussion about the possibility of aliens?

I do want to welcome you to the forums, though, and let you know that if you have any questions about the way things work, or need any help, please let me or another ambassador or staff member know, and we will be happy to help.

 

[gzt]

The first looks like it's the star of Bethlehem announcing the Christ - no aliens.

The second set is definitely not aliens, it's the Transfiguration.

 

[~Anastasia~]

I couldn't figure out why the Transfiguration was included ... maybe someone thought the mandorla looked like a rocket?

I saw a website some time back with the first illustrations (or ones almost exactly like them) as part of a Crucifixion icon. It even said the people were terrified of the "aliens" ... when in reality, it was the usual distressed looks of those gathered around the Cross.

 

[Antony Krasimirov]

Thank you for the hospitality Anastasia.
I know the Orthodox interpretation of the icons, but in the past they have caused a lot of myths and speculations. Even now there are many people arguing about the icons, so i was curios what kind of discussion this may raise within a forum where western orthodox prevail.
Also yes it is the transfiguration.
About the topic of the discussion i am attending Orthodox discussion club and every week there is new topic. Today was "God and the possibility of aliens" because in modern era many people are mislead and search for divinity in extraterrestrial stuff, so this was a contradictory theme and i had to attend

Thank you again for the reception.

 

[~Anastasia~]

Thank you for the hospitality Anastasia.
I know the Orthodox interpretation of the icons, but in the past they have caused a lot of myths and speculations. Even now there are many people arguing about the icons, so i was curios what kind of discussion this may raise within a forum where western orthodox prevail.
Also yes it is the transfiguration.
About the topic of the discussion i am attending Orthodox discussion club and every week there is new topic. Today was "God and the possibility of aliens" because in modern era many people are mislead and search for divinity in extraterrestrial stuff, so this was a contradictory theme and i had to attend

Thank you again for the reception.

You are most welcome.

And thanks for the explanation.

I can understand. If I heard something like that being offered as a topic, I very well might have to attend too, just to hear what is being said.

 

[ArmyMatt]

No aliens, despite what the History Channel says

 

[RileyG]

Those are some fascinating icons!