Blessed Lent!
This Sunday (22) we recognize St. John Climacus, an important Father of the Church. Here are a few quotes from him. . .
“Do not be surprised that you fall every day; do not give up, but stand your ground courageously. And assuredly, the angel who guards you will honour your patience.” ~ John Climacus
“A servant of the Lord stands bodily before men, but mentally he is knocking at the gates of heaven with prayer.” ~ John Climacus
“When you are depressed, bear in mind the Lord’s command to Peter to forgive a sinner seventy times seven (cf. Mt. 18:22). And you may be sure that He Who gave this command to another will Himself do very much more.” ~ John Climacus
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An intensive class on St. John Climacus was announced for March, but sadly, I had to cancel it, because my mother passed in February. I will move it to October – See below.
In February we hosted “The poetry of Beowulf, an Old English epic poem”. It was a magical evening of poetry, food, fellowship and a roaring fire. We’ve had requests to do something like this again–and we will!
Dr. Elizabeth really topped the evening off. Not only is she knowledgeable on the subject, but she knows how to draw her audience out and interact with them. We stayed riveted deep into the night. It was so fun–thank you Beth!
We have 3 events coming up: 2 iconography courses and Bright Monday at our house. . . read on!
Iconography Retreat Course in Egg tempera of Saint John Climacus or Saint John of the Ladder
— on this new date: October 16 (Friday) ,17 (Saturday) and 24 (Saturday). 10 to 4pm.
Followed by Vespers.
Where: St. Annas Orthodox Church in Louisa VA.
Each class builds on the next, but there will be make-ups available for the last day at the Kalvesmaki’s home in Madison VA.
The Saint will be St. John Climacus, who wrote the Ladder of Divine Ascent (some quotes above). Which is a great read for Lent. The drawing may vary from this one presented a bit, as I want to put a ladder in there and there will be no gold.
Cost is $400.00, with a deposit of $100.00 to hold your spot. Seating is limited.
To sign up click below:
$100 deposit:
$400 full payment:
next:
Upcoming Intensive Course: Saint Nicholas the Wonder Worker
There will be another Intensive Icon course May 1-3, 2026, Friday and Saturday from 10 to 4, Sunday after church at St Nicholas in Edinboro, PA (see website for location and directions).
This course is for beginners. We will be doing a bust of Saint Nicholas the Wonder Worker in traditional egg tempera on practice clay boards. Cost is $350 (requires a $50 non refundable deposit to hold your spot!)
For deposit:
$50 deposit:
To pay in full:
$350 full payment:
If you have questions please email me at paraskeve@gmail.com
Read more about my education under Iconographer.
Bright Monday
Finally! Every Bright Monday (in 2026 it is April 13), we open up our home starting at 1 p.m., through the night, to continue the feasting, relaxing and fellowshipping from our wonderful Pascha.
Guests bring their favorite dish, drink or dessert. Joel brings out the lawn sports, children run around our yard and pet the goats while others have deep theological conversations. People come and leave when they like. It is always a good time held by all. Please email me for directions. Hope to see you there!
How to contact us: parskeve@gmail.com, visit our website at www.byzarts.com or text me — 240 676 1350.
