Just as Hell has their tools and devices for pulling people in, the forces of good also have their own set of tools that allow for protection against the forces of evil.
Crosses have been shown to be effective against Pinhead and his Cenobites on several occasions. As an individual item it can bestow upon the wearer protection from the forces of evil. When apples to other objects such as chains, it can help restrict the power/energies of Cenobites.
Just because you are wearing a cross does not make you invulnerable. It must be properly blessed. We can see this with the Catholic Cardinals that are sometimes killed in various comics. Their crosses provide them no protection as Cenobites or other demons from hell take their souls.
The Elysium Configuration is the counter to LeMarchand's creation. Using technology not yet available a pattern of light is reflected into a shape that permanently closes the gateway opened by Phillip LeMarchand.
Most notably, the space station Minos in the year 2127 will have the technology built into the design of the ship, ending the Cenobites that come through the gateway for good.
Icons assist in worship, help in our understanding of the
faith and are windows into heaven. They
provide a teaching tool, especially in the early church when the literacy rate
was much lower, as well as ensuring a common representation of people, events
and places in the minds of the body of the church. For this reason and for veneration, they
adorn the walls of the church showing real life examples of average people
achieving holiness through their actions and love for God.
While some denominations don't use icons they are still benefiting from their use and establishment in the early church. Without icons and the tradition (aka teaching) of the church we wouldn't have a record of things you take for granted like the basic look of Jesus (long hair and beard).
It is recommended you keep an icon in every room (or at least the important rooms) in your house. This provides a constant reminder and also serves as an immediate focal point for prayer when the need arises.
These divine images aren't simply drawings. The iconographer prayers and fasts during the painting process. He is classically trained allowing for a faithful transmission of the image without adding in his own opinions or artistic style. This is to help ensure that the images that have been passed down for millennium stay true to their original representations.
Are Icons worshiped?
No, icons are not worshiped, they are venerated. Parishioners kiss and pray in front of them
not because they are worshiping the block of wood/paint they are made of but
are sending their prayers and love through the image they represent (“windows
into heaven”). It is similar to the way
people keep photographs of loved ones that died on Earth and may kiss or talk
to the image.
I thought graven images were forbidden by the Bible in the Old Testament?
They were, but icons are not graven images. God appeared in the flesh as Jesus Christ so
we know what he looked like allowing for his followers to create a physical
representation of his likeness. If you
want the long answer, read St. John of Damascus’ book “On Divine Images” which
provides a comprehensive explanation and was written in the 8th
Century, confirmed by the Second Ecumenical Council of Nicea in 787.