Just as every person is unique, so is every icon. This does not mean, however, that an iconographer can invent an icon. He works through and for the glory of God, not himself. A true iconographer will only begin this holy task after much prayer, fasting and confession. Out of humility, an icon should never be signed.
Icons serve many liturgical and spiritual functions.
It takes the viewer from the material world to the spiritual world. Iconography today is becoming a popular art form. It is being recognized as art and is being used more frequently by the faithful in their homes and by religious education instructors in their classes. In addition, more churches are restoring or installing this age-old tradition of iconography.