Saint David is the Old Testament king and prophet who did that which was right in the eyes of the Lord. His remarkable life is full of great accomplishments and promise. He slays Goliath the giant in battle. Although from humble origins, he is anointed King of Israel by Samuel the Prophet. But, he’s not perfect, …
The icon of Christ the King of Glory offers an unique prototype within the iconographic tradition. It’s the image of Christ laid in the tomb, or to put it more bluntly, the icon of Christ’s dead body. This offers an unique challenge to the iconographer, as the eyes are painted closed. In all other cases …
Saint Stephen is the first deacons of the church, being blessed with six others to dispense food and supplies to those in need as the Apostles had other pressing duties. He is also the first Christian martyr, a man who was stoned to death for proclaiming Christ to the religious leaders of his day. But, …
Love suffers long and is kind.Love envies not.Love exalts not itself and is not puffed up.Does not behave unseemly, seeks not her own, is not easily provoked, thinks no evil.Rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth.Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.Love never fails. —1 Corinthians, chapter 13) …
Some pious Orthodox folk raise an eyebrow (or worse!) at an icon of Saint Francis of Assisi. As someone who lived after the church’s division, he’s understood to be outside our tradition. So, when I was asked to create an icon of him, I had to consider what to do. There’s a story about Saint …
I’ve always found the life of Saint Mary Magdalene especially moving. She first meets Christ while demon possessed. But, when he speaks, she is healed. Unlike so many other people mentioned in the Holy Scriptures who then move out of its narrative, this is only the beginning of her story. Being from a wealthy family, …
Saint Peter was one of the twelve Apostles of Christ and leader in the early Christian church. He is often given the title, “Chief of the Apostles” because of Christ’s words that his Church would be built with Saint Peter as it’s rock. He is one of the great saints in the Church. While there …
Anyone who walks into an Orthodox church will know the prominence given to John the Baptist. Standing in front of the iconostasis (or icon-screen), there stands Christ, Saint Mary the Theotokos, and this saint. The icon of Christ is a good looking man who offers compassion and blessing. The icon of Saint Mary is noble …
The latest issue of Taproot Magazine arrived in our postbox last Friday. Inside it is an article I wrote about my experience of different communities and their local colours! I entitled the piece, “Painting with Local Color” and in it I reflect on the experience of running my fingers along the pigment shelves in my …
Yesterday, I was invited to give a homily at St. John the Evangelist Church in Elora. It was a joy to playfully share some of the significance that the studio’s work finds in detail, like the strip of linen attached to the icon’s panel. Here’s a copy of that sermon’s text: The text from which …