'Icons in Transformation'
 The cathedral is pleased to announce the arrival of a new and exciting exhibition called ‘Icons in Transformation’ This exhibition is one that portrays an evolution in icon writing and painting from the old Russian method to a new and dramatic interpretation by Ludmila Pawlowska. The exhibition has been touring Europe for quite a while and arrives in Christ Church from Lincoln cathedral. There will be one hundred and thirty five pieces of art on display in the nave, south transept, ambulatory and crypt areas of the cathedral. Russian—born Ludmila, who moved from Moscow to Sweden 15 years ago, has been deeply influenced by the colour and symbolism of the art of her home country: “Icons have a spiritual power,” she says,
“a divine light and I try to capture that light in my own way. My inspiration comes from nearly 1000 years of tradition, in the art of the Russian Icon. When I look at an Icon, I am irresistibly attracted. Looking into the eyes of Maria’s icon feels like an encounter with the unknown and boundless deep, Something awakens inside me — I can just be quiet, lose myself in its depth and just listen… an unexpected insight can flow through me, an impulse, God’s presence is there. Quiet but present.” Ludmila goes on to say: “What fascinates me most in the art of icons is the deep sensitivity they radiate. I am a member of the Orthodox Church where the icon has a central place in liturgy and for me this links me with my culture, my heritage and guides me to a new direction in my creativity.”
The artist concludes her reflections on the icons by affirming: “Today we dare to approach holiness in a completely different way; religion is more open to personal interpretation. For this exhibition ‘Icons in Transformation’ I have been working with different techniques: painting, installation and sculpture using collage. I am already bending the rules which define a traditional icon. To create and capture a light has always been the most difficult and greatest challenge to artists through the centuries. This exhibition is my attempt to capture it in my own way.” The Opening of the exhibition will take place on Wednesday 10 June at 19.00 to which all are welcome. We are delighted that the renowned Irish author, Sebastian Barry will perform the official launch of the exhibition. The artist will also be present at the Launch. There will be a series of lectures held in the crypt on Saturday 27 June from 10.00. These lectures, organised by Canon Patrick Comerford, will trace the history of icons and explore the relevance of this prayer form through the centuries. Speakers on the day will include: Dom Gregory Collins, OSB, author of the Glenstal Book of Icons, Dr Sarah Smyth, senior lecturer in the department of Russian and Slavonic studies in Trinity College, Dublin, Mr Tim Thurston, presenter of ‘Gloria’ on RTÉ Lyric FM and canon Patrick Comerford, director of spiritual formation in the Church of Ireland Theological Institute. It is hoped that this exhibition will be a major attraction for the cathedral and one which will invite more visitors through its doors. The exhibition will have the same opening times as those of the cathedral which is from 09.45 to 18.15 daily with the exception of those times when the cathedral is closed to general visitors while the services are celebrated.
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Developments in and around the cathedral
The Church’s Ministry of Healing will celebrate their weekly healing services in Christ Church cathedral during the month of June. Their usual place of worship is St Ann’s church, Dawson Street which is out of commission at the moment for redecoration. It is a delight that the Ministry is coming to the cathedral. The service date and time will be on Tuesdays at 12.45 in the chapel of St Laurence O’Toole. I have put in a request that the ministry make the cathedral its second home with St Ann’s and that a weekly service be celebrated on Thursdays at 12.45. It is great when the cathedral is used by ministries and offices of the church. The Mothers’ Union already have the use of the St Laurence O’Toole chapel for monthly diocesan services.
Ms Sarah Drumm who works in the cathedral office as assistant to the dean and administrator was married to Dr Andrew Tierney in Westmeath on Saturday May 16 last. We wish Sarah and Andrew long life and happiness as they begin their new life together.
The month of June marks significant ordination dates for both the dean and the canon pastor. The Very Revd Dermot Dunne celebrates twenty five years of ordination to the priesthood on St Columba’s day, 9 June and the Revd Canon Mark Gardner celebrates twenty five years of ordination to the diaconate on St John the Baptist’s day, 24 June. Mark will acknowledge his anniversary by celebrating at the Eucharist in All Saints’ Church, Grangegorman on the day at 10.30 am. Mark’s father, Alan, celebrates his 89th birthday on that day as well. Alan retired from teaching in the High School twenty five years ago.
The Friends of the cathedral are producing a bumper spring/summer issue of their newsletter. The bumper issue is intended to inform people of the work of the Friends and their contribution to the life of the cathedral. It is hoped that more people will become members of the Friends and to that purpose copies of the newsletter will be distributed to all parishes of the diocese. Make sure you get a copy of the newsletter which contains many interesting articles along with a free compact disc of the choir performing much loved pieces.
The shop in the cathedral provides a much needed boost to our income. While its present location is not ideal there are plans for its eventual relocation to a position that is less obvious during services. These plans are long term and will be with the agreement of all concerned. We are indebted to all the volunteers who give of their time to this particular function in the cathedral. The shop manager, Ms Lesley Rue, is always looking at stocking the shop with new products that are both inviting to the visitor and also in good taste with the cathedral’s ethos. Presently Ms Rue is exploring a new chocolate product which fulfils both criteria. These chocolate products will be stocked if they meet the high taste standards of the shop manager. Watch out for more! |
