Iconography represents, perhaps, the most visibly distinctive aspect of Holy Orthodoxy. The icons are certainly beautiful and immersive, yet they are not just images that are nice to have, they are not optional, they are absolutely central to our worship, our understanding of salvation, and the work of the Church in the world. As such, this year we are devoting the entire Fall Theological Seminar to iconography. In the first three sessions, we will be discussing the theology of the icon with a particular emphasis on how we encounter them in the world and in our worship. Having laid that foundation, the remainder of the sessions will be dedicated to a discussion of the icons in our future temple.
The seminar will begin on Wednesday, September 6th, and it will meet each Wednesday night at 7pm through November 8th. For those who want to join in person, we will meet in the nave of the Long Hall. For those who want to join online, the seminar will be streamed via Discord.
Session 1 – September 6th
Icons in Theology: Facing Down Iconoclasm
Session 2 – September 13th
Icons as our Teachers: The Visual Language of Icons and Icon Programming
Session 3 – September 20th
Icons in the Liturgy: Memory, Participation, and Healing
Capital Campaign Kickoff Weekend – September 23rd and 24th
Session 4 – September 27th
Purpose of a Temple; Historical Precedents for Orthodox Basilicas, Murals Scope, Organization, and Momentum
Session 5 – October 4th
Principals of Festal Mural Design: Graphical and Theological Principles
Session 6 – October 11th
Narthex East Wall, Nave East Wall, Apse, and Nave High Murals Part 1
Session 7 – October 18th
Nave High Murals Part 2, Side Aisles, Narthex West Wall
Session 8 – October 25th
Interactive Workshop: Oratory, Prothesis, and Lunettes
Session 9 – November 1st
Interactive Workshop: Narthex Side Walls, Medallions, Arcade Intradoses, and Calming Room
Session 10 – November 8th
Color Studies, Temple Materials, Liturgical Furniture, Hardware, Flooring, Light Fixtures, Other Media, Conclusion