“We believe that the saints come to be present in their images or icons, just as Christ is present in us all who are made in the image and likeness of God, as the Scriptures tell us. Just as Christ is present in the sacraments, just as the Holy Spirit is everywhere present wherever we ask Him to be present. Icons are not simply pictures, they are intimate presences. The saints are present with us here through their images.”

(Fr. Andrew Philips on the nature of icons)