What is a holy picture in the Christian Orthodox funeral rite called?

In the context of the Christian Orthodox funeral rite, the term "holy picture" refers specifically to an icon. Icons hold significant spiritual and cultural importance within the Orthodox Christian tradition. They are considered sacred images that depict Christ, the Virgin Mary, saints, and other religious figures, often serving as a focal point for veneration and prayer during funeral services and other religious ceremonies.

Icons are not merely decorative items; they are viewed as windows to the divine, embodying theological truths and facilitating a connection between the worshippers and the holy figures they represent. During a funeral, an icon may be placed near the deceased or in a prominent position, symbolizing the presence of the divine and the eternal hope of resurrection.

The other options, while related to religious art, do not accurately capture the specific meaning of "holy picture" in this context. Statues, for example, may be used in various religious settings but lack the nuanced meaning associated with icons in Orthodoxy. Relics refer to remains or personal effects of saints and also serve specific liturgical roles but do not fit the definition of a "holy picture." Paintings can vary widely in style and purpose and are not limited to the religious context that defines icons. Thus, "icon" is the