Vincent de Paul
Saint Vincent de Paul was a French Catholic priest who tirelessly served the poor during a time of great upheaval in France. He is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion. Canonized in 1737, he
The Title “Saint”
Introduction Today, it is taken for granted that the title, “saint,” must prefix any saint’s name. Failure to do so seems highly disrespectful. This is our culture, and must be respected. But it must also be examined. We cannot simply
The Blessing of Iconographic Style
Introduction When it comes to Orthodox iconographers, the question of style is a difficult one. Wanting to affirm the living tradition of iconography, we can instead be circumscribed by a dead traditionalism. This struggle involves every member of the Church.
Cyril the Wonder-worker
Saint Cyril the Wonder-worker is the recently canonized 116th Patriarch of Alexandria. Finishing every icon is a blessing, but this one was especially so. Making an icon of a modern saint who is so loved by the Coptic community, was
Local Colour in Icons
Yesterday an article of mine appeared in the Orthodox Arts Journal entitled, “Local Color in Icons”. The piece is a reflection of how living in Conestoga for the last 15 years has shaped my iconographic work, and is ultimately about how much
Andrew the First-Called
Saint Andrew was one of the twelve disciples who followed Christ during his ministry. He also proclaimed the Good News of the Kingdom of God after his death as an apostle. He first encounters Christ as a follower of Saint
David the King and Prophet
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
Christ the King of Glory
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
Stephen the Protomartyr
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
Paul the Leader of the Apostles
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,
Francis of Assisi
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
Mary Magdalene: Apostle to the Apostles
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