New Liturgical Handbook Illuminates the Heart of Orthodox Worship

A groundbreaking new resource for Eastern Orthodox Christians has been published, offering clergy, laity, and inquirers an in-depth yet accessible guide to the Orthodox Church’s divine services. Titled The Divine Services of the Orthodox Church with Commentary, this comprehensive handbook combines original translations of liturgical texts with rich theological explanations, patristic insights, and practical pastoral…

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An American Kouvouklion: A New Design for the Tomb of Christ

Over the years, I have designed numerous furnishings for American Orthodox churches. Because America has a rich tradition of fine furniture making, I have always felt that liturgical woodwork is one of the areas in which America can offer something distinctive to Orthodox culture. When I was asked to design a kouvouklion (the liturgical “tomb”…

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Churches of North Macedonia – Monastery of Saint Naum

  Continuing my photojournalism series highlighting Balkan churches, this post features an especially beloved monastery in North Macedonia – The Monastery of Saint Naum. Saint Naum was a disciple of Saints Cyril and Methodius, and participated in their mission to spread Christianity and literacy in Europe. After completing the Moravian mission, he settled in Bulgaria…

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OAJ Tour of Georgia Led by Andrew Gould

After a fantastic tour of the Balkans last June, the Orthodox Arts Journal is sponsoring a second art and architecture package tour. This tour will last 2 weeks, and will visit all the key sites for medieval architecture, frescoes, and liturgical art in the Republic of Georgia. It will begin in Tbilisi on June 3rd,…

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Lecture: Exploring Church as the Center of Our Life

This talk was offered as part of the Fall Retreat at Holy Annunciation Orthodox Church in Rolla, Missouri. It explores the theme of community life being expressed through liturgical art – a sort of do-it-yourself guide to building an artistic culture of worship and hospitality in church, village, and home: Annunciation Fall Retreat – October…

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Announcing an Exciting Book Project Featuring the Liturgical Arts of North America

I’m very pleased to announce that I’ve partnered with the Sacred Arts Institute at Saint Vladimir’s Seminary to produce a major book featuring the best of North America’s Orthodox Liturgical Arts. This will be a high-quality art book focused on presenting excellent color images. We will feature historic and contemporary churches, icons, furnishings, metalwork, textiles,…

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