Ottawa International Byzantine Arts Symposium ft. renowned iconographer Georgios Kordis

The First Annual Ottawa International Byzantine Arts Symposium is an exciting and new multi-day event, bringing to light the stories and rich history of Byzantine iconography and the beautiful imagery we find in our churches and homes. Hosted at Ottawa's Holy Trinity Hall on Arthur Street from September 28th to October 1st, 2014, the symposium will feature renowned iconographer and Byzantine-art scholar Georgios Kordis, who will be leading and participating in a series of workshops and events organized by Ottawa's Studio IKONA.

Kicking off the symposium will be the exciting premiere of Dr. Kordis' Festal Icon Limited Edition Archival Series (more info here), accompanied by a reception and opportunity to meet the artist.

Over the course of the subsequent days, participants of the "Light & Rhythm: Iconography Workshop" will be learning and creating their own 30'x40" icons in traditional Byzantine style, under the guidance and of Dr. Kordis. The workshop will cover a variety of techniques, from learning to sketch in the Byzantine style and learning all about the rich history of egg tempera, a traditional painting medium. Though the workshop is currently full, there is a waiting list. More information can be obtained by contacting studioIKONA@rogers.com.

On the evenings of September 28th and 29th, the public will have the opportunity to witness and enjoy a live painting of an icon by Dr. Kordis, while accompanied by sacred Byzantine choral music and chants. The first evening will be hosted at St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral, and the second at Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church. Both events will run from 7:00-8:30PM on their respective evenings, and include guided church tours and light refreshments. More information can be obtained here.

About Dr. George Kordis

Dr George Kordis, a native of Greece, is a theologian, Iconographer and artist. He holds a Master’s in Theology from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School School of Theology in Boston. In 1991 he was awarded his Doctrate in Theology at the University of Athens. Dr Kordis is an assistant professor in Iconography (Theory and Practice) at the University of Athens. In addition to lecturing and writing on Byzantine Iconography at the academic level, he also teaches the art of Icon painting. He is a visitng professor at Yale and Notre Dame Universities and also various international workshops.

View some of his work online here. It looks to be an exciting event and opportunity to create and learn more about this beautiful and rich part of our history and identity.