Now it's complete. Bishop Richard Seminack blessed the 12 new festal icons that crown the iconostasis at Nativity of the Mother of God Church in Springfield, Oregon. On a visitation by His Grace, the icons were unveiled for viewing by parishioners for the first time with the blessing following Divine Liturgy on September 13, 2015.
The parish, also celebrated with its annual picnic honoring its namesake and the feast of her birth. Pastor Fr. Richard Janowicz commissioned the new icons which were written by Heather MacKean who is currently working in California.
The iconostasis was erected and installed 24 years ago by noted artist Peter Micka of the Czech Republic who resided in Oregon at the time. The original major icons, also written and installed in 1991, were done by Charles Rohrbacher of Juneau, Alaska, a celebrated iconographer. The new icons were installed by long-time parishioner Joe Kremers who also designed and installed the stars in the ceiling of the sanctuary. The church numbers some 70 families with Fr. Richard serving as pastor for 34 years. First Divine Liturgy at the-then newly built church was Christmas day 1989.
The new icons celebrate the 12 great feasts of the Church: Nativity of the Theotokos, Elevation of the Precious Cross, Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple, Nativity of Christ, Theophany of our Lord, Meeting of the Lord in the Temple, Annunciation of the Theotokos, Palm Sunday, Ascension, Pentecost, The Transfiguration of Our Lord, and Dormition of the Theotokos.
The parish was very glad to have Bishop Richard come for this special occasion and for the opportunity to spend time with him during the afternoon picnic.
The Iconstasis at Nativity of the Mother of God Ukrainian Catholic Church in Springfield, Oregon, with the new festal icons crowning the screen. The original major icons starting on the far left include St. Nicholas, Archangel Michael, and the Mother of God with Christ. Above the Royal Doors, the Mystical Supper. On the Royal Doors, atop each, panels for the Annunciation, upper left, St. John the Evangelist, lower left, St. Luke the Evangelist, upper right, St. Matthew the Evangelist, and lower right, St. Mark the Evangelist. To the right of the Royal Doors, Jesus Christ, Archangel Gabriel, and St. John Chrysostom.
Bishop Richard Seminack reads the gospel with Fr. Richard Janowicz assisting.
Bishop Richard Seminack blesses the new festal icons following the Divine Liturgy.
Parishioners kiss the cross greeting Bishop Richard at the end of Liturgy. Pastor Fr. Richard Janowicz is at right and visiting concelebrate Fr. Kenneth Olsen at left.
Young parishioner Lucia Whitaker kisses the cross.
Bishop Richard Seminack, center, and Fr. Richard, right, bless the food before the annual church picnic. Fr. Kenneth Olsen can be seen to the left.