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
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.
For those who are interested in private lessons, I usually teach 1 hour a week or every other week at my home. All supplies are included accept the board which is $12 (Students will slowly buy their own supplies).
After a few icons the student will learn to make their own boards and can bring in a piece of 9 x 12” wood at that time. All the other supplies I will supply. Lessons are $40 an hour.
There will be both drawing and painting in the lessons for the first year as well as homework. Everyone is asked to buy a 11 x 14” mixed medium sketchbook to bring to class and take home.
There is also a reading list which will be added to as the books are read and discussed.
After the student can paint longer on their own they can have longer lessons, most ask for 2 hour lessons. Usually takes about a year.
I’ll start to offer ‘Open Saturdays’ now and again as I build up more students. That is where anyone who can paint on their own, but would like to paint for a stretch of time with me there, can come from 11 to 2pm. That is $ 10 an hour.
Come for a class at Many Years Farm and explore the area after.
The Market at Grelen in Orange VA: Set on a 1000-acre tree nursery, The Market at Grelen features: AEuropean-Style Home & Garden Shop,Farm-to-Table Cafe, Wedding & Event Venue, Hiking Trails, Pick-Your-Own Farm, and Virginia Beer, Cider & Wine. https://www.themarketatgrelen.com/
Fresh Rabbit Meat…..our fryers are between 2-3 lbs….born and raised on the farm….$10.00/lb
We make our own tinctures, teas and salves
Plantain Drawing Salve……great for drawing out venom from bug bites, infections, even draws splinters out too.
Goat Milk Soap…..Honey, Goat Milk and Oatmeal…..great for sensitive skin….$6/bar or 3 for $15
Elderberry Tincture….boost the immune system, each 2 oz bottle contains over 950 drops,
Take 10-20 drops per day in flu season. 2 oz goes a long way. $20
Valerian Tincture….won’t make you drowsy, made with glycerin so it is
Also good for dogs, cats or goats! Soothing calm to help sleep and calm a racing mind
Also helps with pms and hot flashes. Human dosage 10-20 drops once or twice a day.
Dogs and cats (dogs have been given it before a show so they
Won’t be distracted by the crowds, but the dogs are still alert
…1 drop per 10 lbs of body weight. 2oz $20
Get ready for cicada season, bats will eat them all up!!!
Copperhead snakes love cicadas. Get rid of cicadas so your home is not overrun with snakes
It’s recommended you get several bat houses around your property. Each one of these houses will house 50 bats— the sooner you put them up the sooner the bats will find them and start them. Place your orders now. Singles house 50 bats. $65 plus $22 shipping. Double $95 plus $22 shipping
Order them now and pick them up on Saturday or have them shipped
