Advent Retreat: Praying with Icons

Advent Retreat: Praying with Icons

Saturday, December 7

10:00-12:00 followed by lunch

RETREAT, PRAY, EAT. Did you know that icons are written and not painted? Learn more with an introduction to iconography with Nicholas Markell, local iconographer who creates liturgical designs for parishes through icons, stained glass, wood, and pigments. His work has been the subject of doctoral dissertations. Following the introduction, we will learn and practice ways of praying with icons that represent Advent. After enjoying the artistic beauty, and prayers, we stay together to enjoy a nice lunch.

Beauty: What is beautiful is linked to goodness. Not sentimental or cliché, beauty is whole, harmonies and radiant, inviting contemplation.

Mystery: God is mystery. The Church is Christ’s mystical body. Images of mystery build a bridge between what we see and what we believe. Through images of mystery we enter into the Divine, God’s personal life where time and space are changed. Here the poetry of the eternal and the ritual of heaven transfigure our imagination.

Meaning: Whether inspired by Biblical stories, Church teaching or Christian experience, the purpose of meaningful imagery is not to abandon us into the illusion of an alternate world. Rather, it is to affect our return to our everyday lives with new eyes. Meaningful imagery not only shows us appearances but also shows us purpose - images that correspond to reality It is here that the doors to the realm of truth are opened.

No fee for the retreat. It is helpful for materials and food preparation to let the Lynn Schelitzche, Director of Faith Formation, know that you are attending. [email protected]