Abstract
This article examines the theme of light in Orthodox iconography. It comes out of two forms of mysticism of light: light and shining darkness, which can be identified in Eastern tradition with the apophatic and cataphatic ways of knowing God.
The article looks at the historical roots of theology of light. It also describes how light and darkness are symbolically expressed by colours in icons.
It then analyzes the theme of light and darkness in five festal icons. In conclusion it looks at the spiritual dimension of light, which is one of the foundations of all Orthodox iconography.