Praying with Icons,
Doorways to the Heart of the Beloved Using several striking, ancient icons, interwoven with quieting music, brief teachings and stories of their flourishing but also the fanatics’ destruction of compelling icons, John invites us into new ways of praying, where gazing is prayer. After an introduction which describes how light has been used by Rembrandt in the west, we will meet ancient icons of the east as doorways or gates, pointing beyond themselves to the beauty of the heart of the Beloved One, Light coming to us through these beautiful images in an entirely different way than the western tradition We learn the symbolic and spiritual intent of several remarkable icons and the story of the anonymous monks who painted them. We will then practice gazing as prayer, with simple chants and a brief time of silence. We will rest with our companions, the Holy Trinity and the Christ, the saints, Mary the Theotokos ( bearer of God… We are all Theotokos, bearers of God ). Gazing is our prayer. |
What participants have said
“This as the MOST amazing, valuable seminar I have been to in several years. The richness of the material, the flow and availability of contemplative time impacted me deeply.” “I have a peace and understanding I didn’t have before. It was perfect.” This retreat is for persons with too much to do and too little time for reflection on what is most important in God's universe... …and it is for the spiritually impoverished who seek an awareness of Divine Presence in each moment of their lives. What to bring to this retreat: A willingness to be still and experience the peace within. To express interest in this workshop: Email: johnholliger@columbus.rr.com |