Saint Nicholas
Greek Orthodox
Church
San Jose, California
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1999-2006 St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church of
San Jose, CA
Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
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Sunday of the Holy
Fathers - Fourth Ecumenical Council - July 13,
2003
[Click here to see past Church
bulletin messages] THE TRUE ROLE OF AN ICONOGRAPHER Since the time of the Evangelist Luke -- the Church's first iconographer -- sacred images have played an important role in the worship and theology of the Church. Icons are visual representations of Christ, the Theotokos, the angels and the saints. While we venerate them and pray before them, it must be noted that our reverence for them is directed towards that which they depict, and not the objects themselves. Icons have long been viewed as a source of education and edification by the Church. St. John of Damascus writes: "If a pagan asks you to show him your faith, take him into your church and place him before the icons." Indeed, all of the mysteries and teachings of our Holy Orthodox Faith are vividly brought to life by means of our iconography. Iconographers, while possessing skills in painting styles and techniques, are much more than "artists." To be able to properly "write" icons (icons are written, not painted) is indeed a calling from the Lord. Prayer and fasting are essential "tools" for a true iconographer. Iconographers must be well-versed in the doctrines and dogmas of the Church, which are to be expressed in their work. They are bound by the Holy Tradition of the Church, and the icons that they write can never reflect their own personal thoughts or interpretations. The following excerpts from an "iconographer's prayer" shows the depth of the spiritual nature involved with this noble vocation: "Guide the hands of Your unworthy servant so that I may worthily portray Your Icon, that of Your Mother and all the Saints for the glory, joy and adornment of Your Church. Forgive my sins and the sins of those who will venerate these icons." |
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St. Nicholas Greek
Orthodox Church
1260 Davis Street - Church
986 Chapman Street - Office
San Jose,
California 95126