Sprutta, Justyna (Uniwersytet Opolski. Redakcja Wydawnictw Wydziału Teologicznego, 2004)
Connected abuses of the cult of icons contributed to fighting against icons in Bysantium. The reflection portrays the first stage of the dispute of icons’ enemies with their defenders between 726-787 AD. The beginning of this dispute is connected with an extradition of the decree about the cult of icons by Emperor Leon IH. II Nice Council finishes this period in the year 787 by recognizing officially the cult of icons, but without creating precise theology of icons. Hostility to the cult of icons surrounds aristocracy, higher monks, and serfs. Yet, some priests support and perform the cult of icons. Dogma is the foundation for convincing both enemies and defenders of the cult about Incarnation as well as about the divine and human nature of Jesus. The issue of the presence of holy Prototype in icons also results from this dogma. The prominent defender of icons in this period is St John from Damascus whose apology of the cult of icons will influence theology of icons. Another Bysantine defenders of icons at the first stage are: patriarch German and monk Georges from Cyprus. Bysantine dispute does not end in 787. Animosity will take place from 813 to 843 again.
