From March 24 to March 28, 2025, the quiet town of Jackson, California, became a wellspring of sacred beauty and creativity, as it hosted a Byzantine iconography course led by His Grace Bishop Maxim, a theologian, artist, and practicing iconographer. With 14 dedicated participants gathered from various walks of life, the course offered both theoretical insight and hands-on experience in the sacred art of icon painting.
Participants explored the fourfold process of painting an icon: 1. applying the local color, laying the foundational tones, 2. introducing the flesh tones, where form begins to emerge, 3. adding the lights, drawing out the inner illumination, 4. and finally, finishing with delicate white highlights, the luminous breath of the icon.
The model icon chosen for the course was none other than the revered Mother of God of Studenica, originally painted in 1207 in medieval Serbia—an ancient and profoundly alive image. Guided step by step, each participant crafted their own rendition
Heaven in the Abyss
Blind iconographer,
Darkness surrounds you.
You walk upon the earth,
Yet breathe the heavenly air.
Your halos
Are the light of the temple.
You shield yourself from glory,
And write of beauty.
Your pupils—
Humble and free.
The abyss below you,
The heavens above.
Your brushes—
Bold and trembling.
The breath of your icons
Is the rib of eternity.
~~~
Studenica in Jackson
O Teacher of the Way that leads to Life,
Did you know,
Far-seeing one,
Did you know—
That along the path you walked
Even to the ends of the earth,
In your name
Death would be driven away,
And Life would be lived?
O Iconographer of light that shines from Paradise,
Did you know,
World-seer,
Did you know—
That for the light you bore
Even to the end of time,
With your little brush
Darkness would be scattered,
And Light would shine forth?
Marko Bojovic
of this sacred icon, weaving into it their personal stamp, heartfelt devotion, and unique vision.
Among those who took part were Gabriela, Persephanie, Cody, Jeff, Larry, Lori, Laurie, Victoria, Xenia, Anna, Biljana, Noelle, Ashley, Fr. Marko—each of whom left not only with a finished icon, but with a deeper connection to the tradition, to one another, and to the spiritual world that iconography reveals. Participants shared their gratitude for both the quality of teaching and the sense of friendship and fellowship that grew throughout the week.
The course was graciously organized by Father Marko Bojovic, who ensured that the space and time were imbued with peace, prayer, and artistic focus.
At the heart of it all was St. Sava Mission, whose open doors and open hearts made room for this remarkable visual and spiritual experience. Participants departed with icons in hand, but also with a renewed vision—a deeper understanding of beauty as a revelation of truth, and the sacred as something still alive in brushstrokes, light, and shared silence.
T E S T I M O N I A L S
This Iconography Workshop was truly an amazing and fabulous experience with remarkable people! I feel very privileged to be here and have such a blessed time! – Jeff
~~~
This is a great place to develop. I am planning to come again in September and bring some friends with me. – Cody
~~~
I am now more appreciative, more confident and more experienced in this wonderful world of iconography and very grateful for this opportunity. – Lazo
~~~
Although I studied art and art history and have been a vocational fine art painter my entire life (and in two days I will 83, God willing), I am again leaving this Workshop just like I did last time—entirely and profoundly speechless. – Laurie
~~~
This Workshop was really precious for many reasons. I’ve been a fan of Bishop Maxim’s art for a while, so I felt very honored to be able to have him as our teacher and guide. From the artistic point of view, it was a challenge but very rewarding one. Finally, I very much enjoyed our fellowship—such a wonderful and special group of people! Again, a beautiful experience and truly a blessing I was able to attend. – Persephonne
~~~
I have learned at our Workshop that Iconography is like our Christian life: a struggle that leads to joy. – Noelle
~~~
I could describe my wonderful experience with only four but powerful words: learning, growing, evolving and loving! – Vikki
~~~
In the busyness of life it seems almost impossible to set aside and organize a five-day event such as this Iconography Workshop. However, as soon as it starts, we realize that not only it is possible, but much needed as a breath of fresh air and of inspiration. Icons do not only decorate our living space, but their simple yet striking message has a power to transform our worldview and lives. – Biljana
~~~
I was baptized as an Orthodox Christian in May of 2024. My religious childhood background was mainly the Jehovah Witness religion with some Protestantism. Before Orthodoxy Mary was just Mary the Mother of Jesus. Orthodox Christianity has taught me the real meaning of Christianity and the importance of the Theotokos in the Church. This class has moved me to know and admire the Mother of God in a way that I have never known. I adore, love, and see her heart and I pray to have a heart like hers. This Workshop was absolutely wonderful! – Lori
~~~
I will never view an icon in the same way again. There is so much more to them now. How blessed we are in our diocese to have as our hierarch His Grace Bishop Maxim, who is blessed by God with the gifts of being a fine artist himself, as well as a patient and joyful painting teacher for absolute beginners. Glory to God for all things!May God grant him many years! Eis pola eti, despota!
Heartfelt thanks to Father Marko and St. Sava Parish and St. Sava Mission Foundation for your gracious hospitality, meals, prayers and love! This was a most memorable and prayerful lenten retreat! – Anna
~~~
I entered this icon workshop with a particular fragmented rationalistic understanding of iconography and its creation process. I left a poet. Bishop Maxim’s gentle and inspirational teaching reawakened my long-forgotten innate God-given creativity within the framework of the system of Byzantine iconography.
Spending a week participating in God’s creation, immersed deeply in the theologically creative process of bringing order to chaos and wholeness to disintegration through the birth of an icon granted me a soul-transformative inner compass that I would not have gained from self-study alone. I feel that I have been honored with an imperishable gift through the teaching and direction of Bishop Maxim. Moving forward, here I stand: as a child filled with wonder, instinctively desiring to depict the great tapestry of Creation in light of the Resurrection, offering to the world a window into the Heavenly realm. My sincere gratitude to all involved, especially to Bishop Maxim, Fr. Marko and Popadija, and the St. Sava community. Thank you for pouring out your hearts in service to us and hosting such a marvelous workshop. I know much went into the planning behind the scenes to make it happen. This week is an experience I will carry in my heart forever. Thank you – Gabriella
