For a century and a half, the era of iconoclasts lasted. For a century and a half, believers, sometimes at the cost of their lives, saved images from death. They were secretly revered despite the official propaganda of iconoclasm.
The last emperor of Byzantium, who persecuted believers who saw in icons the door to heaven, was Theophilus. He ended his days as a result of a serious illness, before his death he admitted that iconoclasm was a mistake. After him, the Empress Theodore ascended the throne, who never hid that she venerated icons.
During the solemn service in St. Sophia Cathedral, she called for a return to the veneration of icons. After the service, the Empress personally led a procession through the streets, during which for the first time in a long time, the icons were openly exhibited for veneration.
Iconoclasm was officially recognized as a heresy at the Ecumenical Council of 843. In memory of this event, the Church established a solemn day: the Triumph of Orthodoxy.
It is celebrated on the first Sunday after the beginning of the fast.
To the hymns on this day add prayer glorification of Christ and icon worship.
The troparion of the Savior not made with hands is performed. After the All-Night Vigil, the Liturgy is celebrated. It is dedicated to Basil the Great. During the prayer service following the Liturgy, the entire priesthood leaves the altar. Icons of the Mother of God and Christ are installed on analos in the center of the temple.
There is a special icon that bears the same name as the holiday. The oldest known is kept in the British Museum. It dates back to the 14th century.
On the icons of the Triumph of Orthodoxy is depicted the image of the Virgin with the baby Christ “Odigitria”. The icon is placed on the throne, and angels support it on both sides.
To the left of the image is Saint Theodora with her son, Michael. On the right are Saints Methodius and Theodore Studite, other defenders of icon worship.
In the lower row are saints who opposed the ban on the veneration of icons before the events of 843. Their deeds and labors became the foundation that allowed the Truth to triumph.
The Church Fathers warned against misunderstanding the holiday. This is not a holiday that puts the Orthodox above others. It is a celebration of the victory of Truth, “Christ over the weaknesses of human understanding” (Antony of Sourozh).
The triumph of Orthodoxy is celebrated whenever we help the disadvantaged, work for the good of the community, show by example what it means to serve the Lord.
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