The first two-week Iconography School recently held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Abbey was very successful, thanks be to God.  The aim of the school was to introduce students to the theology and spirituality of the icon in its various forms and traditions as well as aesthetics and techniques.  An icon in itself is a prayer rendered in paint and as the iconographer “writes” or makes an icon, they are actually praying with the brush. 

The first week Jackie Nelson, a local iconographer and member of the Orthodox Church instructed the class in the history and origins of iconography and how the various art forms developed into icons in early Christianity.   The liturgical use of icons was also dealt with at some length.

To help bring the liturgical emphasis home to the students we visited St. Elias the Prophet Greek Orthodox Church.  Fr. Dimitri showed us around his beautiful church, the decoration of which is still unfinished.  He explained the use of icons in the Byzantine liturgy.  From there we went for a “French Picnic” overlooking Sante Fe.  It was a warm beautiful day as we enjoyed French wine, cheese and bread along with salami, peaches and coffee.  We then visited Holy Trinity Orthodox Church and saw some of the icons Jackie had written returning to the Abbey for Vespers.  

The second week centered on learning to “write” an icon of St. John the Theologian.  Peter Pearson, a well known iconographer from Pennsylvania who has graced us with his knowledge and expertise many times instructed the class.  The students finished their icons in good time and were able to begin a second icon of Vladimir Mother of God, which they took home to complete.

Their last Saturday here the students attended Great Vespers at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church closing the school with a dinner celebration at a local restaurant.  Sunday all the icons were brought into Chapel to be blessed during Mass and anointed with Holy Oil.   There was a good atmosphere throughout the school and students were obviously enjoying themselves.

In 2008 our School of Iconography will be held from July 20 through August 3rd.  Make your reservation early as enrollment is limited.   Watch our website for more details. Thanks to Br. Bernard and all those who helped make this a success. 

Br. John Davies OSB ( Director, School of Iconography)

Reservations are limited so please book early. For applications to register, please contact the Icon School Director, or call the Guestmaster of the Monastery.

Bro. John Davies, OSB Oliv.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Abbey
P.O. Box 1080
Pecos, NM 87552-1080
Tel. 505-757-6415
F ax. 505-757-2285

e-mail: guestmaster@pecosmonastery.org