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Traditional Iconography in a New World

"For my House will be called a House of Prayer for all peoples."
Isaiah 2:3

Saint Michael the Archangel
Greek Orthodox Church
Lecanto, Florida

The Michael G. Cantonis Sanctuary Fund
Click Here to see the Cantonis Legacy Niche

&
The Icon Fund

The Rev. Fr. Ioannis Vernikos, Parish Priest

Mr. Stephan Ponticos, Chairman
Dr. George Mavros, Co-Chairman and Parish President

Elias Damianakis, Iconographer

Christ Kamges, Architect

"Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus."
I Thessalonians 5:16-18

For several years now, prototype studies have been progressing in Lecanto, Florida to build a unique Traditional Orthodox sanctuary dedicated the the Archangel Michael the Taxiarch (Commander). To read a complete history of the church and community click here. On these pages we will explore the in-depth research, study and spiritual meditation put into the iconography scheme being prepared for the sanctuary. This process has included for Elias trips around three continents, meetings with the leading theologians on the subject and venerating at the holiest sites dedicated to the Holy Archangel Michael around the world.

Since June of 2006 with the assignment of Fr. Ioannis Vernikos the Icon project has begun to crystallize into a style an iconographic school has been focused on as the main influence for the wall paintings:

The Macedonian School

The Macedonian School had its centre in Thessaloniki and flourished in the 13^th and 14^th centuries, this was the zenith for the post iconoclastic iconography both in terms of technical achievement but also in tremendous influence on western renaissance. Its hallmarks are realism in the depiction of the figures, not only in their external features but also in the rendering of their inner world, particularly their pathos. The compositions are refined, with all the figures moving in the space, which is extensive and rendered in striking depth. Every movement however is not there to distract but rather to emphasize to the viewer the Orthodox theology or message being illustrated. (Want to learn more about the Macedonian school and comparisons to other schools Click Here)

Painters from Thessaloniki were invited to paint Athonite foundations, and they frescoed the Protaton, the Katholika of the Great Lavra, Vatopedi, Chelandari, and Pantokrator, and the refectory and cemetery church of Pantokrator. There were many famous ateliers of the Macedonian School, but head and shoulders above the rest stood the atelier of Manuel Panselinos.

Prototype style Master Panselinos