As Byzantine Catholics, we are surrounded by icons, which are rich in symbolism and meaning. These sacred images are designed to aid us in prayer and draw us closer to God. Through their many symbols, icons allow us to touch the mysteries they represent, telling the story of the events they depict. This is why it is common to hear of someone "writing icons" rather than "painting" them. Icons invite us to encounter the living God, the Blessed Mary, and the saints, offering a profound connection to the divine.