This week I added about 8 layers of watered down highlights on the skin. I started with a light cantaloupe color and ended with a light peach color. With each layer the faces start
After adding a dark burgundy boarder, I retrace all the lines. Retracing the lines helps to restore definition to the icon.
I then add gold to the halo. The gold indicates that which is depicted is in heaven. The halo is a symbol of the uncreated light or grace of God shining forth through the icon. I add a red cruciform on the halo of Jesus and add the three Greek letters that represent the three Greek words that translate “He who is”. These words Moses received on Mount Sinai when he asked for the name of him to whom he was speaking. The three Greek letters resemble our alphabet letters O~W~N.
The individuals on an icon are always labeled usually in an abbreviated version of the name (first and last letter of the word). Above Mary’s halo is the Greek letters M~P and O~Y for the Greek words MHTHP OEOY (Mother of God). Next to the halo of Jesus are the Greek letters I~C and X~C for the two Greek words IHCOYC XPICTOC (Jesus Christ). The Greek language is traditionally used connecting the icon to the early church and its use of Greek.
That last step is to seal the icon with a varnish so to protect it. On the day that it is presented to St. Paul’s Church (Sunday, December 17 at the 10:30 mass), the icon will be blessed by Father Rafael. It will then be placed in your church where it can be venerated. Veneration is a type of devotion in which we honor the individuals depicted and strive to also live a Holy life based on their example. Remember, icons are windows into heaven. They are bearers of the light of God. They will always point us to Jesus the Light of the world. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12. May this icon of the Theotokos (Mother of God) bring healing, peace, and wholeness to all who seek the light of God.
Brother John
It has been a great honor to write an icon of the Theotokos for St. Paul’s Church. I hope you have enjoyed the many steps of preparing and completing this icon. Icons are viewed as windows into heaven. Icons are beacons of light. May this icon bring much wholeness, joy, peace, and healing and to all those who enjoys its presence. I look forward to presenting this icon to be blessed by Father Rafael for veneration in your church on Sunday, December 17 at your morning mass. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your journey. May we all strive to follow the way of Jesus and be an instrument of peace and love in the world.
It has been a great honor to write an icon of the Theotokos for St. Paul’s Church. I hope you have enjoyed the many steps of preparing and completing this icon. Icons are viewed as windows into heaven. Icons are beacons of light. May this icon bring much wholeness, joy, peace, and healing and to all those who enjoys its presence. I look forward to presenting this icon to be blessed by Father Rafael for veneration in your church on Sunday, December 17 at your morning mass. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your journey. May we all strive to follow the way of Jesus and be an instrument of peace and love in the world.
At this time, I would like to honor my icon instructor, Father Peter Pearson. Father Peter is a well know iconographer and leads icon workshops across the country. He is an Episcopal priest and a Franciscan religious brother. The outline and steps I used came from several workshops I had with Father Peter. Father Peter will be leading an icon workshop in the Diocese of East TN at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Johnson City TN, February 15-18. For more information on upcoming icon workshops with Fr. Peter, email him: pfpbilltown@gmail.com.
