www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Faith & Theology Question about the Pantocrator icon

Hi Dave...

Do you know if Fr. Zinon is still under suspension?

I purchased a wonderful book from his ikon school in Italy. Some WONDERFUL fotos of his work!

He is TRULY blessed by God in his work!

mark

Hi Mark,

No idea about his suspension; I recall reading something about it being lifted, but I might be mixing it up with someone else.

Regardless, his work is amazing.

Dave

AFAIK, the suspension was lifted after Father Zinon underwent a period of penance.

As far as the two icons painted by Fr. Zinon, they're not my favorites, but they're still icons.

OrthodoxEast

Dave,
Proof that haste makes waste. I ran together some of the examples I had in mind and of course Holy Ghost is in Jessup and that is infact a good example and the one I had in mind.

As to the icon of the Archimandrite, it is of course an icon, unlike the mosaic. My previous comments as to monocromatic vestiture remains. Without a robe and an outer cloack of different colors (usually red for the robe and blue for the mantle) the two natures of Christ are not traditionally portraied. As to the vividness or lack thereof of the colors, it is difficult to tell from the photo.

For those interested in the iconographic canons there is a short but interesting treatement in a new book from SVD Press "The Icon, Window on the Kingdom" This is a very reasonably priced paperback with 64 plates (half in color) that alone are worth the price. The author, Michel Quenot, also gives an informative and interesting contrast betweeen western religious art and eastern icons.

CIX!

Joseph,

I understand and agree with what you are saying regarding the two colors in which Christ is normally portrayed; however, it is not across the board, so to speak. Traditional icons of Christ in Glory often portray Him in monochromatic (meaning no distinction between the outer and inner garments) vesture with gold highlights. I am not saying this can apply to the mosaic at the Basilica in DC, but there are exceptions to this iconographic practice, even in the East.

Regarding Jessup and other Greek Catholic churches thus decorated: The "RC Holy Card" style found there can also be found in almost all Orthodox churches built during that period, so I would not be so harsh to this or any other Greek Catholic church from the same time. I have a lot of experience with Holy Ghost (having worked with my father on the Byzantine iconography in the renovated Holy Place) and I actually find it to be one of the jewels of Greek Catholic architecture from that period of time.

Dave