ARCHIMANDRITE ZENON (THEODOR): His Life and Work

I am not given to adulation: it places too heavy a burden of expectation on the unfortunate recipient, and often hinders the adorer. But I must confess I border on adulation for the works of the contemporary Russian iconographer and fresco painter, Archimandrite Zenon (Teodor) Every once in a while an iconographer appears who is…

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Byzantium – Celebrating The Icon in Ottawa

The first Ottawa International Byzantine Arts Symposium wrapping up at the beginning of this month surrounded the work of master iconographer George Kordis with an exhibition, 2 concerts and an icon painting workshop.  I had no idea what to expect going in to this event. I had been contacted by the event organizer, Lesia Maruschak only…

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Heaven and Earth in The Icon

This is post 3 of 4 in the series “Ancient Cosmology Today” Jonathan Pageau uses a phenomenological approach to explain traditional cosmology and its symbolism, explaining in what manner it is crucial to our experience of being in the world. Most of The Time The Earth Is Flat. Where is Heaven? Heaven and Earth in…

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The Carved Icons of Elena and Sergio Nikolenko

I was recently made aware of two wonderful Russian carvers named Elena and Sergio Nikolenko.  Their work is quite impressive, using ornament with spectacular precision.  Their stylisation of faces ranges from the more iconic to more realistic features depending on pieces. The couple work on their icons together, with Elena being the designer and the one…

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An Inlaid Gospel Cover

  The idea for this gospel cover began several years ago. I discussed with Jonathan Pageau the possibility of  using his stone carvings as inlaid icons in wooden liturgical pieces. He is able to carve the steatite stone slabs quite thin so that the weight is reasonable even for a book cover. I based the…

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Where is Heaven?

This is post 2 of 4 in the series “Ancient Cosmology Today” Jonathan Pageau uses a phenomenological approach to explain traditional cosmology and its symbolism, explaining in what manner it is crucial to our experience of being in the world. Most of The Time The Earth Is Flat. Where is Heaven? Heaven and Earth in…

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Ottawa International Byzantine Arts Symposium

I am quite excited to have been invited to participate in the first Ottawa International Byzantine Arts Symposium.  The Symposium is organized around the work of George Kordis and will also feature concerts, an iconography workshops and icons from other artists.  This is a great chance to meet master iconographer George Kordis. I know I am…

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