Icons Unite Us – A United Success

On November 3, over 200 people gathered at St. Vladimir Institute in Toronto to attend the opening of Icons Unite Us, a joint project between SVI and the Ukrainian Catholic Education Foundation (UCEF). The guest speaker Bishop Borys Gudziak is the Rector of Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU) in Lviv and the newest hierarch of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, representing France, the Benelux countries, Switzerland and The Netherlands.

The idea of a joint icon exhibit and sale sprang from a discussion that addressed the desire for SVI to showcase the talent of its iconography students and the need for UCEF to raise awareness of UCU’s School of Iconography and its mission. “As SVI’s marketing committee chair and a member of the UCU development team, it just seemed natural to bring the two together,” stated Christine Kuzyk, MC for the event. “We are always looking for unique ways to raise funds in support of our programs, and felt that an icon exhibit would be an excellent venue.”

The community was well represented with many religious and lay people in attendance, including His Grace Bishop Andriy (Eastern Eparchy, Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada), Rt. Rev. Father Bohdan Sencio, SVI’s Chaplain, and many Catholic clergy. The SVI Board was out in full support as well as members of the UCEF Canada Board. Bishop Borys was colourfully introduced by Professor Paul Magocsi, Chair of Ukrainian Studies, University of Toronto, and a long-time academic acquaintance. There was absolute silence in the auditorium as Bishop Borys took us on an historical, artistic and religious journey in his presentation of the classic icon, and its universal appeal to our need for spirituality. He described the sense of inner peace that is projected through an icon, and the uplifting qualities that are portrayed by its timeless beauty. He suggested that this is the true importance of the icon, and that this is how its appeal translates into a universal unity among Christians.

Following a lively question and answer period, where Bishop Borys reiterated his commitment to UCU as Rector, the clergy moved to the Art Gallery to bless and officially open the exhibit. During this time, the audience had a chance to socialize, enjoy the wine and cheese reception, and browse through the literature tables. All were invited to view over 55 unique icons that originated from Canada, the U.S. and Ukraine. “We are very thankful to the iconographers who donated their works to support both these great institutions,” said Marta Kolomayets, Communications Director, UCEF. Iconographers and artists represented include Mezentsev, Lesiuk, Lopata, Savaryn, Senkiw, Rudensky, Novakiwsky, Maday, Tytla, Homenko, Sinitar, Barmina and others. Works by students from both schools were also prominently showcased.

Almost all of the icons were purchased by the end of the show. The fundraiser was a success, but more importantly are the lasting impressions following the event. Eugene Yakovitch, SVI Board Member shared some of the comments he received: “It was great to attend a lecture from such a learned man. I was captivated by his treatment of the subject;” and “It is a credit to SVI to host and feature such an event that brought the community together.” Not only did icons unite SVI and UCEF in a common cause. Bishop Borys showed us that icons can help us to walk side-by-side in unity with one another and in communion with each other.

For more information on UCEF/UCU, please visit www.ucef.ca or call 416- 239-2495.

For more information on St. Vladimir Institute, please visit www.stvladimir.ca or call 416- 923-3318.

Both organizations are registered Canadian charities.

PHOTO

Bishop Borys Gudziak, seated third from right with clergy and St. Vladimir Institute Board Members