Some of the Eastern Orthodox icons on display until June 24 at the Step Up Gallery. Courtesy photo

STEP UP GALLERY NEWS

Father Theophan’s “Toward the Face of the Divine: Eastern Orthodox Icons” exhibit’s last day is Friday, June 24. The solemn and dramatic icons have been on display all month in Step Up Gallery at Mesa Public Library. If you haven’t had a chance to get over to the gallery, put it on your calendar for this coming week.

Among Eastern Orthodox Christians, their faith is the primary reason that stands behind creating icons, depictions of Christ, the saints, and events in Scripture and the life of the Church. They are alternately, and at once, used as aides in prayer, decoration of the church and of personal homes, as well as instruction on the story of salvation, the Gospel in color. Their tradition has been part of Church tradition since Saint Luke the Evangelist painted the first icon, the Theotokos and Christ Child.

Father Theophan has been studying and practicing art for over 25 years, and Eastern Orthodox Iconography for 10 of those. He practices under the tutelage of Father Mefodii of the Skete of Saint Maximos the Confessor in Palmyra, Virginia.  

Once the exhibit closes, the icons will return to their home in Saint Job of Pochaiv Orthodox Church here in Los Alamos. Step Up Gallery is located on the top level of Mesa Public Library, 2400 Central Ave., Los Alamos, and is open Monday –Thursday: 10am – 8pm, Friday: 10am – 6pm, Saturday: 10am – 5pm and is closed Sundays. At this time, masking is welcome, but not required, however this recommendation may change without notice.