Icons

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity! Psalm 133:1

The icons of Charity Chapel represent the integrated charism of the Brothers and Sisters of Charity. The presence of the saints in the church has been given to us by traditional Byzantine iconography many centuries ago. This tradition has survived till this day. We often say, "the icon's been written", just as a text. Therefore, icons are to be read. God is present in a Bible in the same manner as he is presented to us in Byzantine iconography. Saints and angels gather to help us concentrate, meditate and to address our prayers to them through their image. “The Church is also a communion of saints, an assembly of angels and men, of the Heaven and of the earth, divided into what is known as the Church Militant and the Church Triumphant". While writing these icons, I was meditating on communion of saints, - the spiritual union of the members of our Church, both living and those in heaven. We are all part of a mystical body of Christ. The gold background on each icon reflects the light, and objects that surround us which symbolically takes us over to the place where our saint brothers’ dwell.

Every saint on the icons I’ve written have been placed on a collage background where their churches, monasteries, and cathedrals were raised long after their earthly life, thus their service continues. By bringing our saints to places on earth, on our icons, I wanted to put an emphasize on the fact, that they are not just historical figures who lived centuries ago, but have not gone, and continue to live among us working their mission for eternal life of many.

Each icon refers to the viewer with the language of symbols. In my icons I often picture fountains, sea, lakes, rivers, ocean. Water in general symbolizes life, eternity, soul. Water cannot be destroyed. It can freeze or evaporate, but it will still be water. Water is to clean and to quench your thirst. The river symbolizes the beginning, purification and also the separate path of each in particular to the one and the great sea.

Pay attention to the look of each saint in particular. Wherever you are located regarding the image, he or she is always looking at you. If the saint looks at the object or another person, he or she is pointing at something or someone they want you to meditate on. It is through sight that direct communication begins. The icon helps to bring the person closer to the dialogue on a sensual level and assures that the prayer has been heard.

- Oleh Skoropadsky, iconographer

Click an icon below to see larger image and a description of each icon.