Year of St. Paul Icon
Acrylic and 18k gold leaf with gesso relief on wood
"It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me." (Gal 2.20)
About the Icon
Icon Resources
- Prayer Cards (Eng) (Span) NEW !!!!
- Image Downloads for Parish/Diocesan Use (Small) (Large) (Extra Large)
- Icon Request Form (Coming Soon) Email Ryan for details.
Return to St. Paul Page
For more information,
please contact
Ryan Hanning at 602-354-2321 or
email him at rhanning@diocesephoenix.org.
About the Icon
This icon was commissioned by the Office of Adult Evangelization for the
Year of St. Paul and will be available for veneration at the various Year of St.
Paul events throughout the year. Written in the traditional school of iconography
this icon teaches us about the life of St. Paul both a model of conversion and
evangelization. It is acrylic and gold leaf with gesso releif on wood and is
approximately 15in wide x 22in tall.
Symbolism:
Red:Here St. Paul is seen robed in red a color for royalty but also for martyrs
symbolizing the blooshed of our Lord, Jesus Christ. His cloak (himation) is red
because he died a martyr.
Green: His tunic is green the color of leaves in spring time and the sign of new
life. The conversion of St. Paul started his new life as a witness of Christ's
resurrection and infinite mercy and love for each of us. He began preaching and
founded several communities. His tunic (chiton) is green because of his
conversion and new life.
Book: St. Paul holds a book to signify the many letter he wrote to the nacient
Church. On the book is a cross to signify the example of Christ crucified whom
he preached (cf. 1 Cor 1:23) and the message of the good news of the
resurrection he spread and exemplified for as long as heaven would allow.
Sword: The saint holds a sword, a reminded that he once zealously persecuted
Christ and His Church. The sword signifies his past life as well as his final
beheading and martyrdom.
Nimbus: The halo is a "circle of light" around his head to signify that the figure,
St. Paul is already sharing in the glory of Christ in heaven.
The Artist:
Maria Diaz is a well known iconographer whose beautiful icons can be found in
churches throughout the valley. From small icons, to larger murals, she shares
her talents with the Diocese of Phoenix and works full time in the Office of Natural
Family Planning. If you have a question or would like to commision an icon she
can be contacted at iconsbymaria@yahoo.com
It is the task of the iconographer to open our eyes to the actual presence of the Kingdom in the world and to remind us that though we see nothing of its splendid liturgy, we are, if we believe in Christ the redeemer, In fact living and worshipping as “fellow citizens of the angels and saints, built upon the chief cornerstone with Christ.” Art &Worship –T. Merton
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