Hello! I was wondering , why aren't the saints smiling in icons? Wouldn't they be smiling because they are with Christ in His kingdom? Thank you! -Evangelia
That's a great question! The saints are swept up in the joy of Christ, it definitely makes sense to think about them smiling. We even see this in pictures of modern saints; someone like St Porphyrios is smiling all the time!
On the other hand, icons also try to show the peace the saints experience in Christ. A smile might give the wrong impression in that sense. The saints live something much deeper and longer lasting than a smile can show.
On the other hand, icons also try to show the peace the saints experience in Christ. A smile might give the wrong impression in that sense. The saints live something much deeper and longer lasting than a smile can show.