Iconography Camp Held at Shadeland Monastery Inspires New Chapter for Serbian Orthodox Diocese

The fresco while still in progress. Photo: Serbian Orthodox Church Diocese of Eastern America

SHADELAND, PA — From Oct. 12–18, 2025, the first Iconography Camp of the Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Eastern America was held at St. Sava Camp on the Monastery Estate of the Most Holy Mother of God in Shadeland, Pa., with the blessing of His Grace Bsp. Irinej.

Led by Fr. George Popovich of Aliquippa, Pa. — a theologian and master iconographer with over 30 years of experience — the week-long gathering brought together iconographers and students from across the United States for theological lectures, hands-on fresco workshops, communal prayer, and fellowship in a peaceful monastic setting.

According to information compiled by Fr. George for the Diocese of Eastern America website, participants completed a monumental fresco on the west wall of the Shadeland Monastery Church, depicting the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos. The fresco masterfully weaves together Serbian Orthodox heritage and American Orthodox life, portraying saints, historic Serbian immigrants, and present-day youth of the St. Sava Camp approaching Christ and the Mother of God — a visual testament to faith across generations. According to Fr. George:

On the right side of the composition, the first Serbian immigrants to the United States are shown bowing before Christ the Pantocrator, led by a Serbian mother and father with children, symbolizing faith, endurance, and family. Behind them stands St. Sava, the first Archbishop of Serbia, presenting the Shadeland Church to Christ. Surrounding them are revered saints of the Serbian Orthodox Church who shaped the spiritual life of our people at home and abroad: St. Nicholai of Zhicha and Ohrid, St. Mardarije of Libertyville, St. Basil of Ostrog, and St. Sebastian of Jackson and San Francisco.

On the left side, the fresco opens toward the present, depicting the children of St. Sava Shadeland Camp, dressed in modern clothing, approaching the Most Holy Theotokos. They are led by the monastery’s heavenly protectress, Venerable Mother Angelina, followed by Venerable Anastasia, mother of St. Sava; Venerable Mother Paraskeva; Venerable Anastasia Ana, mother of St. Basil; and St. Hypomone (Empress Helen Dragas). The scene captures the continuity of faith through generations - from the first emigrants who brought Orthodoxy to America to today’s youth who carry it forward.

The week also featured daily prayer services and concluded on Saturday with Divine Liturgy, celebrated by Fr. George, offering thanksgiving for the artistic and spiritual achievements of the camp. Participants praised the support and hospitality of Milly Radovick and Deedee Baskot, leaders of the Eastern American Federation of Circles of Serbian Sisters, who provided meals and care described as a “ministry of warmth and joy.”

Though brief, the camp is already being hailed as a milestone in the Diocese’s life, with plans underway — at the initiative of Bsp. Irinej — to establish a permanent Iconography and Theology Center at the Shadeland Monastery Estate. The goal: to train future generations of iconographers to adorn churches with both theological insight and artistic excellence.

As Psalm 90:17 proclaims, “Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands.” With the sacred art created in Shadeland now standing as a beacon of faith, this first camp marks the beginning of a vibrant new tradition.

Previously, UOJ reported that the Serbian Orthodox Church’s Eastern American Diocese, under the blessing of Bsp. Irinej, would host the first-ever Iconography Camp at St. Sava Shadeland Monastery.

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