Hugely Successful Beyond the Image Sacred Art Conference

A wonderful turnout at St. Nicholas Church for our conference on iconography, sacred art. Most of the people in attendance were non-Orthodox who came to learn about our icons and why they are a central part of Orthodoxy. Icons in the Orthodox Church are called “Windows to Heaven.” St. Nicholas Church opened those windows to the public in a special event.

“Beyond the Image” explored sacred art as a means of drawing near to God. A number of exhibits were on display and Iconographer Brian Whilridge demonstrated the ancient art of iconography. A wide variety of icons from all over the world representing numerous artistic approaches were loaned to the exhibit from the private collections of St Nicholas parishioners.

We had two speakers from the Orthodox Monastery in Rives Junction, Holy Dormition: Mother Gabriella, the Abbess, and Mother Olympia, the monastery’s resident Iconographer. They described the writing of icons, who is depicted and how, and the difference between Orthodox sacred art and the Western Church. Dr. Charles Makhoul, an instructor of religious education at St Nicholas Church, explained the icons on the walls of St. Nicholas Church and the religious symbolism contained in those works of art.

Our thanks to all who attended and to all who planned this worthy event.