On Monday 7

th

September, Assoc. Prof. Philip Kariatlis, Sub-Dean of St Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Theological College, presented a talk entitled Icons: The Beauty of the World to Come at the Macedonian Orthodox Church “St Petka” in Rockdale. Approximately 40 people attended the event. The presentation explored the place of icons within Orthodox Christian life and worship. Assoc. Prof. Kariatlis explained that icons are more than religious art. Grounded in the reality of the Incarnation, they proclaim that the Son of God truly became human and entered the material world. While Orthodox Christians do not worship icons, they venerate them, recognising that, as St Basil the Great taught, the honour offered to an image passes to the person represented.

The talk also considered how icons draw the faithful beyond the limits of the present world and offer glimpses of eternity. Particular attention was given to the two icons of the Crucifixion and Resurrection, both of which proclaim the raising by Christ of all humanity and our calling to eternal life. The successful evening concluded with a robust and engaging discussion, during which participants explored the theological meaning of icons and their importance in the prayer and worship of the Church.