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==In the Church==
The symbolism of the Church cannot be successfully studied outside the [[Liturgy]]. Separated from the divine services, symbolism loses its meaning and becomes a series of sterile abstractions.Symbols die when they are falsely invented, or rationally explained.
==Mysterious language==
Symbolism expresses indirectly, through images, that which cannot be expressed directly materially or verbally. Symbolism hides truths which it reflects from those who are not initiated and makes them understandable to those who know how to approach them.
==Symbol not just sign==
There is a necessary spiritual distinction between symbol and sign. A sign only portrays reality. A symbol always qualifies it in a certain way, bringing forth a superior reality. To understand a sign is to translate an indication. To understand a symbol is to participate in the presence. Symbols are not mere illustrations, not are they a substitute of reality. They have the power and competence of manifesting God to men, signs into the genuine union and knowledge of things eternal and divine.
==Examples==
Much symbolism is connected to the [[icons]], the [[cross]], the [[vestments]].
Also the Church uses bread, wine, wheat, oil, water, flowers, and fruits because their very being and existence as expressions of God, as symbols of his presence and action in the world for man, his love, mercy, goodness, life and the very presence given to man in creation and salvation. In short symbols of truth.
[[Incense]] is the symbol of the rising of [[prayer]]s, of spiritual sacrifice and of the sweet-smelling fragrance of the [[Kingdom of God]].
Light is a universal symbol for the mystical presence of God as the True, the Beautiful and the Good. ==Symbol not signExternal link==There is a necessary spiritual distinction between symbol and sign[http://www. A sign only portrays realitysaintvladimir. A symbol always qualifies it in a certain way, bringing forth a superior reality. To understand a sign is to translate an indication. To understand a symbol is to participate in the presencecom/article.php?id=53 The Other Symbols ]
