The White Angel of Serbia: the icons are Blessed

My thanks again to St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Bonita Springs, Florida, for the opportunity to lead this iconography workshop.  On Sunday, March 30, the St. Mary's iconographers had their icons blessed by being on (and around) the altar during the celebration of the Eucharist. In addition, this traditional prayer was read.

A prayer upon completing an icon

You, yourself, O Lord,

Are the fulfillment and completion

Of all good things.

Fill my soul with joy and gladness,

For you alone are the Lover of Humankind.

Let your grace sanctify and dwell

Within this icon,

That it may edify and inspire those

Who gaze upon it and venerate it,

That in glorifying the one depicted,

They may be repentant of their sins

And strengthened against every attack

Of the adversary.

Through the prayers of the Theotokos,

The Holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke,

And all the Saints,

O Savior, save us!

AMEN.