These are good observations. I do not make T-shirts with icons on them for this exact reason. I was asked to do a line of patron saint shirts and declined for the principle that icons are to be venerated, not worn casually. The Fathers say what the evangelists did with words the iconographer does with paint. (The Acquire Peace image is not an icon proper so I feel free to use it.)
The buttons and other items, like prayer ropes with icons on them, I accept because they fall under the category of \"pilgrim art\" that was made and sold widely in the Byzantine period of the church. These items are devotional and evangelical in nature and since they do not get washed and such these are fine.
I applaud you all being discerning about such things. Today these issues are not even considered in many traditions. You are right to consider these things. Thansk for writing and telling your friends about the FullnessoftheFaith.com site!
Fr. Justin Mathews
PS - the clothes are designed, pressed and shipped by yours truly. It is a homemade effort to promote Orthodox artists and share the fullness of the faith with non-Orthodox.
PPS- The shirts I currently buy wholesale are purchased from a supplier that claims all of their shirts are made in licensed, quality outfits. (Anvil Knitwear, Inc. is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of high quality activewear which sells its products primarily into the \"imprinted\" or \"decorated\" segment of the U.S. apparel industry. Anvil Knitwear has a history of over 28 years in its business segment. Anvil\'s corporate headquarters is in New York City with manufacturing facilities in Honduras and Nicaragua and textile facilities in North Carolina, and offshore. Anvil employs approximately 3,800 people. No china made products here!!)
