Iconography Lecture

February 27, 2009

Some of our greatest treasures in Orthodoxy are the many meaningful icons that grace our temple of St. George.   One cannot sit in a pew and miss the awe-inspiring facets of the divine pictures hovering everywhere. Yet, sometimes we are not quite sure of their story, their background.
 
On the evening of February 27th, St. George hosted a lecture on Byzantine Iconography. More than 70 people from many faiths came to witness what turned out to be another gem of a lecture. Priests, ministers, nuns, lay people, and our own parishioners made up the varied and inquisitive audience.   With a good amount of historical background, we learned what icons represent in Orthodoxy, and why they are venerated. For the uninitiated, there was a discussion of placement of icons in all Orthodox churches, and specifics relating to iconographers. The stories of the saints, what they represent, and how they help us was told to an eager audience.   Also, the meaning of the many scenes was easily understood with the guidance of historical reference by a talented storyteller.
 
A question and answer period gave the audience an opportunity to have their thoughts answered.   Do you know why the angels in the uppermost icon above the alter depicting Sarah and Abraham have halos,” and the angels right below in another icon do not?   Dr. Salierno was easily able to put to rest many inquiries about our faith and our church.
 
Following a rousing burst of applause, and a time of wandering about the church to view more icons, there was a “meet and greet” time hosted in our lower hall complete with beautiful table settings and delicious sweets.   Again, people approached Peter and many others of our community to ask “just one more question.” One minister told Peter that if he had known more about Orthodoxy, he would have become Orthodox!
 
Many thanks to those who volunteered their time and talents to help this evening be the success it was.  
 
Peter gives a lecture on Bible Studies every Tuesday evening at 7:30, and encourages us in our Orthodoxy.   Please come and join our group. One of our ongoing charities is “Warm the Children” – where people knit scarves, hats, etc., or donate money to ship these items to Belarus and other places.  Please help support this wonderful cause.
 
Dr. Salierno’s latest endeavor is to build a chapel in Kenya in honor of St. Anthimus of Chios.  This is just starting up and can use all the help you can give. Please see Elaine in the office, or Dr. Peter Salierno for more information.  You can e-mail him at PCPETE12@aol.com.
 
Thank you.