St. Paul’s Iconography Project

In September, 2006, St. Paul the Apostle Church completed the first two phases of the fresco project. The wall over the iconostasis and the two alcoves were covered with the beautiful iconography. His Grace Bishop TIKHON blessed the frescos during his last Diocesan Assembly (see photos). This beautification project was done in conjunction with the new tile floor being put into the church.

The frescos are being written by world-renowned iconographer Vladimir Krassovsky of San Francisco, who has already painted the iconostasis and numerous icons in the church. His traditional iconography is in the Moscow style which is typified by bright colors and serene movements. He does the work on canvas in his studio and then seals them on the walls when completed.

The project is expected to take ten years to cover the entire interior of the church. With the completion of Phase One and Two, the parish has begun to raise funds for Phase Three. This phase will be to cover the entire sanctuary. Included in this phase will be the Icon of the Deisus (Christ enthroned surrounded by certain saints), Above which will be the Icon of the Theotokos flanked by two seraphims, large icons of the Holy Eucharist, Christ in Gethsemene, the High Priests Aaron and Melchizedek, a border with six medallions of the Hierarchal Saints as well as decorative toweling around the base. It will truly be a masterpiece of iconography and theology (see photos) The estimated cost for this phase is $35,750 not including associated preparation and installation costs. The parish is expecting to install this next phase in the late Fall of 2007. Donations are currently being accepted and there are numerous commemorative opportunities.

The remaining planned phases will begin with the massive undertaking of the frescoing the dome and ceiling of the church. This will be a massive project and since the cupola of the church is over 40 feet in diameter. It will be the crown jewel of the entire project. The estimated cost will be close to $100,000. It will include a massive icon of Christ the Pantocrater surrounded by eight seraphims. The inside of the dome will have the procession of the saints and the four corners will have the four Evangelists. There will be decorative work around the dome as well. Fund-raising for this project will begin in 2008. The remaining phases of the project is still in the planning stage. It will consist of the remaining three walls of the church. This will include scenes from the life of Christ, various saints from all the ethnic communities in the parish with a special emphasis on the saints of America. The cost is currently being discussed along with the planning of the remaining stages.

To donate towards this important project, please use the ‘PayPal’ button on the Donations Page, or mail a check payable to “St. Paul the Apostle Orthodox Church Icon Fund”. Commemorative opportunities are available for large donations. Below are images of Phases 1 through 4 as well as the completed phases - click on a thumbnail to see the full-sized picture.