Evensong for an Icon

On October 3, during the warm Monday evening, Bishop John Stephens visited his Parish of St. Mary Magdalene to bless a new icon of the Hospitality of Abraham and Sarah, better known as the Trinity. Created by Pam Martin, ODNW over two years and based on a recent restoration of the original by Andrei Rublev from early 15th century Russia, it is done in the traditional media of egg tempera and 22 carat gold leaf on a gessoed wood board at almost the full size of the original (56”x 45” or 142cm x 114cm). 

As the evening light filled the room the Reverend Tasha Carrothers welcomed everyone, and Pam Martin spoke about her practice of iconography. Pianist Ben Dobyns and violinist Angela Garzouzie with cantors Mary Ann Saunders and the Reverend Liz Hamel led the singing of Holden Evening Prayer.  Kim Seary read the account in Genesis 18 of the inspiration of the icon, the hospitality of Abraham and Sarah to three mysterious visitors, and Steven Seegerts read from the Gospel of Matthew 25:31-40 of the puzzled ‘sheep’ who discover that they have been unknowingly serving the Lord in their care for the least among them. John Marsh, retired rector of St. Mary Magdalene, wove the readings and the icon together with storytelling in his homily, reminding us that radical hospitality is at the heart of the way of Jesus - we meet the face of God in the face of the stranger. 

Bishop John blessed the icon, anointing it as he prayed, “fill it with the radiance of your good, holy, and life-giving Spirit to complete the work of our hands for your glory and for the good of those who come to pray before it”.

A champagne reception completed the evening, catered by chef Steven Seegerts and his talented crew. The guests were able to hear more about the icon and its symbolism, sitting right in front of it and experiencing it up close before it is permanently hung above the main door in the sanctuary

 The icon depicts the enigmatic account of Genesis 18:1-8, interpreted by the Church as a revelation of the Trinity. Three angels, equal in stature, similar but different, are seated around the table, centred on the chalice. Their expressions are serene, their gazes one to another guiding our attention in the timeless exchange described by St. Augustine as ‘Lover, Beloved, and Love’. Yet their circle is not closed. The invitation is there. There is space right in front for us, the viewers, to enter in and join the circle, join in that eternal flow. It is a powerful visual expression, every element rich with meaning, inviting us to enter and experience, rather than analyse and describe, the Trinity. Gaze. Be still. Ponder. Notice what arises. Respond. 

 Iconographer’s Notes 

   

Photo: Jade Martin Seedhouse

Painting* an icon is an act of prayer. Painting an icon of this size is a powerful spiritual experience. It is not so much an expression of individual creative artistry as it is a dialogue between the painter and the Spirit glimpsed through the icon. In my experience the icon has the final say. 

* I use the word ‘painting’ to describe the process of creating an icon, while some may prefer to use the word ‘writing’. The original Greek word (graphos – anglicized) means drawing or writing to convey meaning – consider photography, graffiti. Because I do the work with paint and a brush I use the word ‘painting’

IMAGES

• Bishop John with Pam Martin and the Icon
• The Reverend Tasha Carrothers and Pam Martin
• Angela Garzouzie and Ben Dobyns
• Mary Ann Saunders and the Reverend Liz Hamel
• Steven Seegerts reader and chef
  
• The Reverend John Marsh shares the homily
• Bishop Stephens blessing the icon
• The Community

Photos: Wayne Chose