FR. JOHN Laszczyk, rector of St Andrew’s Cathedral in Victoria, formally installed a new icon of the Holy Family at the Cathedral Parish September 8.  

The icon is the largest ever created by Andre Prevost of Manitoba, and is a gift to the Cathedral from parishioners who desire to remain anonymous.  

The icon has a dual purpose.  First and foremost, it is meant to be a means of leading the viewer in prayer.  

Secondly, it is a witness to the sacredness of the family as a divine creation, and presents the Holy Family as an example to strive after.

Prevost’s work attempts to balance the iconographic traditions of the Eastern and Western Churches.  For example, Joseph is situated closer to Mary than is normal for the Eastern Orthodox style, expressing a certain Western view of the Holy Family.

The icon portrays Mary embracing the Christ child – while St Joseph, who looks more youthful than in many other depictions, is portrayed gazing away, always protecting Mary and Christ.  

The gaze of Mary is directed downward toward Jesus, thus leading the viewer to him.  The child’s eyes are directed outward toward the viewer – thus leading the viewer ultimately toward him.  

There are three Greek inscriptions on the icon.  The first, on the right side, simply says ‘St. Joseph.’  

On the left, the viewer will find the inscription ‘MP OY,’ which stands for ‘Mother of God / God-bearer.’  

Finally, the inscription in the halo around the Christ child is abbreviated as ‘WON’ – which is Greek for ‘I Am.’  

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Christ is at the centre of the icon, so his access to the viewer is not hindered in any way. In his left hand, he is holding the word of God – while blessing the viewer with his right hand.  

The two extended fingers represent Jesus’ two natures, human and divine. The other three fingers represent the three Persons of the Holy Trinity.

The white line around the halo of Christ symbolizes that this particular transfiguration has been completed. It also represents the completion of the iconographer’s spiritual journey within this icon, and prepares him to begin yet again on another.

The icon will be located in the Schola area of the Cathedral. The Cathedral receives many visitors every day.  Some come to pray, some come to simply admire the beauty.  

No matter who comes, God has the opportunity to touch them through various objects.  

“May this particular icon touch all visitors with the beauty and dignity of the family,” writes Andre Prevost, adding:

“May it witness to the strength and role of the father, always gazing outwards, protecting and guarding the family, leading it to holiness; to the mother who is always caring, gazing closely with the love only a mother can show her children; and to the children, a sign of hope for the world, that their innocence may be loved and cherished.”

– Harrison Ayre, with notes from Andre Prevost; courtesy of     The B.C. Catholic.

October 2007