Father Theophan at the entrance of ‘Toward the Face of the Divine: Eastern Orthodox Icons’ exhibit in Mesa Public Library. Courtesy photo

COMMUNITY News:

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

Once the exhibit closes, the icons will return to their home in Saint Job of Pochaiv Orthodox Church in Los Alamos.

Step Up Gallery is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and closed Sundays, inside Mesa Public Library, 2400 Central Ave. At this time, masking and social distancing is welcome, but not required. The policy, however, may change without notice.

Scene from exhibit at the Step Up Gallery. Courtesy photo