Iconography

Iconography is one of the most basic needs for the completion of the church building. The Orthodox Faith calls the gathering of the members of the Church "the Communion of Saints," and teaches that all the saints and angels are present at the celebration of the Divine Liturgy and other religious services, Icons of the saints and angels emphasize the reality of their presence at Holy Worship. For this reason, the Holy Icons are more than decorative embellishments; they are an essential part of church worship and church decor, both on the Iconostation and on the walls and ceiling.

In Byzantine architecture, the dome represents Heaven and the floor represents earth. Consequently, the Icon of the Dome is called the Christ- Pantocrator, and depicts the Lord Jesus Christ as the Lord Almighty looking down on His creation. The Pantocrator is surrounded by angels, the Prophets of the Old Testament and the Ancestors of Christ.

Iconography in the Dome of the Church is beginning, in Phase III – Dome.
Icon of Christ as Pantocrator, the Almighty

Again the high priest asked Him, saying to Him, “Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” Jesus said, “I am. And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” (Gospel reference: Mark Ch 14, v 61 – 62) 
The icon of Christ as Pantocrator, the Almighty, will be in the highest, most imposing part of the Church, the dome of the nave. Christ blesses with His right hand and holds the Book of the Gospels in His left hand.

Icons of Twelve Holy Prophets

“Then He said to them, ‘These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me’.” (Gospel reference: Luke Ch 24, v 44) 
Below the Icon of Christ as Pantocrator, will be twelve (12) icons of Holy Prophets, whose prophecies are spoken of by Christ and included in liturgical readings and hymns. The icons will be in “half-figure” or “bust” form.

Contributions to Iconography Phase III – Dome

Sponsors may contribute to the Icon of Christ as Pantocrator, and/or choose an icon of a Holy Prophet from the list included on the Sponsor Offer Form, with recognition for all. The form is available on the web site below, at the Church office or at the Iconography information table in the Social Hall. More information will be mailed to parishioners.

Update for Iconography Phase II – West

The iconographer is now writing the icons in his studio in Greece for the second phase of iconography in the western part. The iconographers are expected to begin installing the icons in early January 2017. The work will be very similar to that experienced in the eastern part of the Church, with extensive scaffolding and the iconographers working many hours. More information will be publicized as it becomes available.