Iconography Course Concludes at St. Sava Mission in California

JACKSON, CA — An iconography course at St. Sava Mission in Jackson concluded on September 11 after five days of prayer, instruction, painting, and fellowship, bringing together twelve students under the guidance of Bp. Maxim and Gabriela Matthews.

Held in the newly built church of St. George the Great Martyr, the course focused on the traditional practice of icon painting. Students worked throughout the week on icons of St. Nicholas, St. Sava the Sanctified, and St. Anastasia of Rome, developing their work under the direction of the instructors.

The course also provided an opportunity for the participants to share meals, learn from one another, and develop friendships while engaging in a common work of the Church. Organizers said the students’ growing confidence and individual creativity could be seen as their icons gradually took shape.

In addition to painting portable icons, the students witnessed the beginning of the church’s permanent wall iconography. Work began in the sanctuary with a depiction of the Communion of the Holy Apostles, marking the first stage of a larger project to adorn St. George Chapel with sacred imagery.

The wall iconography is expected to continue during the coming seasons as the chapel’s interior gradually receives additional depictions of the saints. The course participants left Jackson with the icons they had painted and memories of a week in which prayer, art, friendship, and fellowship were brought together.

Previously, the UOJ reported that an iconography project was completed at St. Demetrios Church in Williamsburg.