Master Class on Icon Painting Dedicated to the Sunday of Orthodoxy Held in Dublin
From March 6 to 8, the parish of the Blessed Martyr Mykola Charnetsky of the UGCC in Dublin hosted a three-day icon painting workshop dedicated to the Sunday of Orthodoxy. The event brought together participants eager to engage with spiritual art and master the technique of icon painting.
The UGCC parish secretariat in Dublin reported on the event.
The master class was led by Ukrainian icon painter Mariana Baltarovych, who arrived in Dublin at the invitation of Fr. Vasyl Kornitsky, the priest for Ukrainians in Dublin. Over the course of three days, Ms. Mariana not only shared her knowledge of the history of icon painting but also delved deeply into its spiritual significance and technical nuances.
“Iconography is not just an art form but a unique way of prayer—a means of expressing faith through images that radiate divine light. Creating an icon is a spiritual work that requires not only skill but also deep immersion in faith,” Mariana Baltarovych explained to the participants.
During the workshop, participants learned the egg tempera technique, discovering how to make yolk emulsion and mix paints from natural pigments. They also practiced creating color layers, which calls for careful attention to detail and precise use of color, as each shade carries its own symbolism. “I am proud of all of you—and of you, Mariana. You have accomplished incredible work over these three days. The icons are truly beautiful. May the Lord bless you, Mariana, and everyone who took part in this wonderful experience,” Fr. Vasyl said in his concluding remarks.
“The master class provided participants with a remarkable opportunity not only to deepen their understanding of icon painting as a spiritual practice but also to develop their artistic skills, immerse in the atmosphere of prayer and art that has a deep spiritual meaning,” the official statement reads.
The UGCC Department for Information
