The materials indicate that veneration through icons is not an act directed at the physical image itself, but rather serves as a means of expressing honor and worship toward that whom it symbolizes – Christ.

Icons as Windows to Divine Worship

The materials indicate that veneration through icons is not an act directed at the physical image itself, but rather serves as a means of expressing honor and worship toward that whom it symbolizes – Christ. Thus, icons are not perceived as an object of worship in themselves; on the contrary, they serve as a window through which believers direct their hearts toward the living face of Jesus Christ, who has incarnated among us. Hence, it is understood that true veneration consists in the fact that through the image of Jesus depicted on the icon, glory is given to Him and not to the material object.

As emphasized in one of the sources:
"In short, divine veneration belongs not to the icon of Christ, but to Christ, to Whom worship is rendered in it; and one should venerate it for the identity of the Face of Christ, despite the difference in the essence of the icon..." (source: link txt).

A similar explanation is supported in another passage, which notes that the bestowing of honor through images is connected with the actual incarnation of Jesus on Earth:"Is it not true that our Lord and God, Jesus Christ, the image of whom we honor and praise, truly incarnated and lived on Earth among us?

" (source: link txt).

Thus, through icons, veneration is expressed in the sense that they help believers to focus on the true essence of Christ, reminding them of His incarnation and divine presence, while the icons themselves become a conduit through which true honor is rendered to Jesus.