My Journey into Iconography

An icon is a religious painting filled with symbolism and the artists own prayerful reflection. The process of its creation is known as writing an icon, which in addition to being a creative expression it is a deeply moving spiritual practice. The iconographer is fashioning the icon while connecting with the Holy Spirit through meditation and contemplation. Each painter is on a journey of transformation and the symbolism of each stage is very important. Each medium used and every color has a symbol of spirit and life.

Iconography with its ancient roots in Greek and Russian culture is more than drawings of God and the saints. It provides the additional spiritual dimension of connecting with God prayerfully throughout the process. Writing icons has become one of my passions. The Lord has drawn me closer to iconography in order to minister to me. I was introduced to iconography when a woman in my spiritual direction class shared with me the icon she was creating. Iconography was completely foreign to my religious upbringing and if anything I found my first exposure a bit unsettling. I began iconography as a spiritual practice uncertain of its benefits yet drawn by the beauty of the iconic image. I have now through the process of creating five icons found each experience transformational and significant to my spiritual formation.

This icon of Archangel Michael is the first icon made by my hand. It is representative of an angelic being created by God who is the Maker and Creator of all things. An angel's nature is rational, intelligent and has free will, which enables the angelic power to abide in goodness or turn toward evil. Angels are secondary intelligent lights created by the First Light, the Creator of the Universe who is without beginning. They have the power of illumination; they have no need of tongue or hearing and without uttering a word they communicate to each other their own thoughts and counsels. An Angel is an intelligent essence, in perpetual motion, with freewill, incorporeal and ministering to God.

Michael is an Archangel and from scripture we gather the details we know of him. He is a warrior angel contending with the devil (Jude 1:9, ESV) and in the final battle when war breaks out in heaven, the Archangel Michael and his angels will defeat the dragon (Revelation 12:7, ESV). The icon of Archangel Michael serves as a reminder that as earthly beings, we do not battle flesh and blood but the evil powers and principalities of the fallen heavenly realm (Ephesians 6:12, ESV). In our struggles on earth, God has created powerful invisible angelic warriors to assist us. Under the command of Michael, the chief warrior of heaven, God has given His angels charge over us, protecting and keeping us in all of our ways (Psalm 91:11, ESV).

The icon of Archangel Michael is a reminder that the Creator of the Universe has made provision for us in our earthly battles with guilt and shame. We have an angelic warrior fighting the spiritual forces of darkness that seek to keep us locked in cycles of shame. The reminder of Michael's presence is one that can help us live courageously with compassion and love for others.