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From its original publication in 1997 Praying with Icons has been hailed as a modern spiritual classic, both for readers familiar with the tradition of icons as well as those who are newcomers to this sacred art. Jim Forest, a convert to the Russian Orthodox Church, describes the history and theology behind icons, how they are made, and how they are used as a guide to prayer.
As Forest shows, icons are not simply illustrations or “art” in the usual sense, but aids to prayer and contemplation, windows on the divine. Drawing on a rich selection of classic and contemporary icons, he offers a series of meditative reflections on some of the most typical subjects of icons, including Christ, Mary, and the saints.
This new edition includes a previously unpublished chapter by Jim Forest, and a personal memoir by his widow, Nancy Forest, about the role that icons played in his life, their marriage, and his final illness.
Jim Forest, who died in 2022, was a lifelong peacemaker and author of many Orbis books including Living with Wisdom: A Life of Thomas Merton, All is Grace: A Biography of Dorothy Day, At Play in the Lions’ Den: A Biography and Memoir of Daniel Berrigan; Eyes of Compassion: Learning from Thich Nhat Hanh; and Writing Straight with Crooked Lines: A Memoir.
