A true icon is such that helps one to pray truly. This icon can only be painted by an artist who has the spirit of repentance and prayer, for whom prayer is a daily living need and who really perceives the spiritual battle. The icon by such an artist is a living testimony, a living Gospel! But, unfortunately, such icons are few. Modern icon painters, for the most part, just copy the icons which have already been painted. But unless they themselves live a true Christian life, they only fill these copies with the poison of their worldly spirit.