An '''Iconoduleiconodule''', (also '''Iconophileiconophile''') is one who supports or is in favor of using religious images, specifically [[icon]]s. Those who oppose the use of icons are called '''Iconoclasts'''[[iconoclasm|iconoclasts]]. The word iconodule comes from the Greek ''eikono-douluseikonodoulus'' , meaning “one "one who serves images”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]] that forbid , one of which forbids the making and worshipping of “graven images” "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 came into being among the supporters of icon veneration that included [[John of Damascus]] and [[Theodore the Studite]]edu/~august/h303/readings/iconoclasm. Other iconodules within the Church included [[Germanus I of Constantinople]] and Pope [[Gregory III htm Documents 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.

The [[Empress TheodoraCategory:Liturgics]], who was regent for her son Theophilus, ended the second iconoclastic period in 843 which was begun by Emperor Leo V the Armenian, in 813. With Theodora success, the iconodules maintained their position under the leadership of Patriarch [[Ignastius 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: Iconclasm]

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