January 4, 2005

"Icons: The Gospel in Line and Color" will be the theme of a five-day retreat/workshop sponsored by Kanuga Conferences in North Carolina February 12-18.

Many Christians, especially those in the Eastern Orthodox tradition, regard the icon as a sacred image expressing what the Church teaches, offering theology "written" in paint.

Suzanne Schleck, who experienced a call to write icons in 1989 and began studying with the Rev. John Walsted, master icongrapher and expert on 14th to 16th century Russian icons, will lead both beginners and those experienced in writing icons during workshop sessions. Schleck will engage students in a process of creating art as a way living out each person's identity as being made in the image of God.

Participants will use egg tempera and gold leaf, following the ancient and traditional Russian method of icon-writing to create the Tikhvin Mother of God.

Daily prayer and Eucharist, a contemplative studio setting with talks on both technique and theology, and the opportunity to live, pray and grow with a holy image will also be part of the retreat.

Other leaders include Lydia McKibbin, Schleck's fellow parishioner at Christ Church, Tom's River, New Jersey and the Rev. Dr. Walter F. Hartt, retired priest and former seminary professor from the Diocese of New Jersey.

For registration and information visit http://www.kanuga.org/ or call 828.692.9136.

The following title is available from the Episcopal Book/Resource Center, 815 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10017; 212.716.6118 or 800.334.7626 ext. 6118; http://www.episcopalbookstore.org/. To Read: Dwelling of the Light: Praying with Icons of Christ by Rowan Williams (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm B Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2004, 83 pages; $16.)

From the Publisher: To look at an icon of Christ is to do far more than view an image of a human life lived long ago. As Christians in the Orthodox tradition have understood for nearly fifteen hundred years, it is to be brought into the presence of the one who radiates the light and love of God. Such an encounter cannot leav the vieweer unchanged. Drawing on this rich source of spiritual devotion, Archbishop Rowan Williams shows readers of all Christian traditions how to understand and interact with four classical icons of Jesus:

. the transfiguration

. the resurrection

. Christ as a member of the eternal Trinity

. Christ as judge of the world and ruler of all

As readers learn to look prayerfully rather than analytically at these icons, they will find themselves drawn into the energy and action of the icons themselves. Speaking a powerful word of challenge to many of our contemporary concerns and anxieties, these classical works of religious devotion invite viewers to discover and contemplate all that can be found in the face of Jesus Christ. The book includes a concise introduction in which Williams beautifully illuminates the history and role of icons in Christian worship. Illustrated in color throughout, The Dwelling of the Light will be a treasured source of spiritual inspiration, ideal for personal use and for giving to others.

The Most Rev. Rowan Williams is the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Episcopal News Service