An '''iconodule''' (also '''iconophile''') is one who supports or is in favor of using religious images, specifically [[icon]]s. Those who oppose the use of icons are called [[iconoclasm|iconoclasts]]. The word iconodule comes from the Greek ''eikono-douluseikonodoulus'', meaning “one "one who serves images.” "

The word was applied to those Orthodox Christians during the eighth and ninth centuries who defended the use of icons in opposition to the iconoclasts, who were against their use. This dispute arose generally over the literal interpretation of the [[Ten Commandments]], one of which forbids the making and worshipping of “graven "graven images,” " and during the rise of the teachings of [[Islam|Muhammad]].[[Image:Theodore_the_Studite.jpg|right|thumb|100px|St. Theodore the Studite - Iconodule]]During the icon disputes of the eighth and ninth centuries, the principal institutions of iconodule support and icon veneration were the [[monastery|monasteries]]. A network of [[monk]]s who supported icon veneration came into being, including [[John of Damascus]] and [[Theodore the Studite]]. Other iconodules within the Church included [[Germanus I of Constantinople]] and Pope [[Gregory III of Rome]]. Within the Byzantine nobility, the principal iconodule was the [[Irene of Athens|Empress Irene]], the mother and regent for her son [[Constantine VI]], who ended the first iconoclastic period and convened the [[Seventh Ecumenical Council]] that confirmed icon veneration.[[Image:Theodora the Iconodule.jpg|thumb|100px|left|St. Theodora the Iconodule]]Finally, in 843, the [[Theodora (9th century empress)|Empress Theodora]], who was regent for her son Michael III, ended the second iconoclastic period begun by Emperor Leo V the Armenian, in 813. With Theodora's success, the iconodules maintained their position under the leadership of Patriarch [[Ignatius of Constantinople]], who was [[patriarch]] from 847 to 858 and from 867 to 877. Since the time of the Proclamation of 843 restoring veneration of icons, the Orthodox Church has celebrated the [[feast]] of the [[Triumph of Orthodoxy]] on the first Sunday of [[Lent]].

During the icon disputes of the eighth and ninth centuries, the principal institutions of iconodule support and icon veneration were the ==External links==*[[monastery|monasteries]]http://www.tulane. A network of [[monk]]s who supported icon veneration came into being, including [[John of Damascus]] and [[Theodore the Studite]]edu/~august/h303/readings/iconoclasm. Other iconodules within the Church included [[Germanus I htm Documents of Constantinople]] and Pope [[Gregory III of Rome]]. Within the Byzantine nobility, the principal iconodule was the [[Empress IreneIconoclastic Controversy]], the mother and regent for her son Constantine VI, who ended the first iconoclastic period and convened the *[[Seventh Ecumenical CouncilWikipedia:Iconoclasm]] that confirmed icon veneration.

Finally, in 843, the [[Empress TheodoraCategory:Liturgics]], who was regent for her son Theophilus, ended the second iconoclastic period begun by Emperor Leo V the Armenian, in 813. With Theodora's success, the iconodules maintained their position under the leadership of Patriarch [[Ignatius of Constantinople]], who was [[patriarch]] from 847 to 858 and from 867 to 877. Since the time of the Proclamation of 843 restoring veneration of icons, the Orthodox Category:Church has celebrated the [[feast]] of the “Triumph of Orthodoxy” on the first Sunday of [[Lent]History]. ==External links==*[http://www.tulane.edu/~august/h303/readings/iconoclasm.htm Documents of the Iconoclastic Controversy]*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iconoclasm Wikipedia: Iconoclasm]

[[Categoryro: Liturgics]][[Category: Church HistoryIconodul]]