Iconography Project

Our church community is very pleased to announce the commencement Phase 1 of the iconography project this Fall!

The iconographer commissioned for this work is Zoran Rnjak. Phase 1 includes iconography in the interior of the main dome. 

At the highest point of the dome is the icon of Christ Pantokrator, surrounded by four attending angels in adoration and 12 Prophets in between the dome's windows.

*Please note  that the gold-yellow tones used in the preliminary renderings are not representative of true gold or final gold coloring. The actual visual appearance will be adjusted during painting.

For those who are interested in making a donation towards this project, please know that all donations are tax-deductible according to Federal and Provincial income tax regulations.

How to donate:

• Mail (cheque payable to the Greek Community of Sts. Peter and Paul Church). Memo: Iconography Project

• Calling the Church at 510-579-4703 with your credit or debit card number. 

• In person at Church (during office hours via cash, cheque, credit, or debit card)

  
  

Income tax receipts will be issued upon receipt for one time donations.

On the Importance of Iconography:

The holy tradition of mainstream Christianity employs holy images in order to convey its message to the audience by means of depiction in paint as an equally powerful tool as a written text.  The sacred art of the Church not merely 'allows' or 'tolerates' the portrayal of both biblical events and the saints of the Church, but strongly emphasizes its benefit. It was noticed long ago that icons help one to better decipher and grasp the profound meaning of a certain event than a writing.  St. Luke the Evangelist is believed to be the very first iconographer who wrote an image of the Virgin Mary who, once she saw it, approved of it and granted her blessing.  Ever since, iconography plays a crucial role in both art history and contemporary religious design due to its ability to convey complex meanings efficiently.  

The significance of iconography extends beyond visual arts and design. The sacred images facilitate immediate recognition and ease of use, making them indispensable tools for effective communication and invitation for a dialogue between the viewer and the portrayed.  Although the worship belongs exclusively to God, the holy icons are perceived to be 'windows' to heaven, a tangible means to facilitate a believer’s life of prayer, an invitation to wonder and grasp, to ask and to thank, to seek and to find.