I saw your #28, and I thank you for your #32.
I still don't get it.
I'm happily prepared to admit the ancient and valuable usage of Icons for Instruction, Contemplation, and Meditation, but I still don't get the "Veneration and Prayers" bit.
I know that the Eastern Orthodox tell me that Departed Saints are not dead, but merely departed. They're absolutely right on this. And it is certainly true that we should ask our living brethren here on this Earth to pray for us.
But Samuel regarded it as a very greivous moral offense for Saul to call up his spirit, and seek Prayers through him. Why? I don't know. But Samuel didn't like it one bit.
Maybe it has something to do with the Resurrection. It is true, amongst we who Live in the Flesh upon the Earth, that I may derive benefit from your prayers for me. But in regard to the Departed, though it is True that they *are not Dead* -- if I should seek Prayers as I would from one who is currently standing beside me in the Flesh, maybe it is only appropriate that I seek Prayers only from the One who is Departed and yet Glorified in Flesh, the One who is Resurrected already.
At least, that would explain to me why it was a very greivous Sin for Saul to call upon the departed spirit of Samuel for Prayer. Perhaps we who are in the flesh must ask for the prayers of those with whom we share our current experience in flesh -- eachother, and the Glorified-but-Incarnate Jesus.
I don't know (I honestly don't).
But what I do know is this: Jesus is ready and willing to receive the prayers of we who dwell upon the Earth; whereas Samuel, departed from the Earth, considered it a greivous moral sin for Saul to call upon him to offer Prayers.
I'm not sure that I understand all the pneumatological mechanics involved, but knowing that Jesus is ready and willing to receive my prayers -- then for myself, I think it best not to disturb the Departed Saints as they are worshipping in Heaven, offer my Prayers to Jesus Alone, and stay on the safe side.
Best, OP