On Thursday, June 4, 2026, the opening ceremony of iconography classes was held at the headquarters of the Orthodox Metropolis of Korea in Seoul, led by the professor and iconographer Mr. Sozos Giannoudis and his Korean assistant, Tatiana Seo.
After the prayer, the Metropolitan offered the following words of greeting:
With doxology to the Triune God and with spiritual joy, we welcome you today to the opening of the iconography classes.
Iconography is not simply an art. It is the art of silence, of prayer, and of witness.
Iconography is the art of the Church that transforms the material into the spiritual, the visible into a window toward the Uncreated Light.
Iconography is prayer in colors, theology written with a brush, and a humble ministry to the face of Christ and His Saints.
As you begin this new journey, I hope you will not confine yourselves to technical training alone.
Work not only with your hands, but with your souls.
Work with humility, patience, and love.
Learn to see beyond canvas and wood.
Seek the light that does not go out.
Honor the Tradition with reverence, and
Let every brushstroke become an act of worship.
May the Holy Spirit, who has illumined the great iconographers of the Church, illumine also your hands, your minds, and your hearts. May He grant you inspiration and the true joy of creation.
Welcome, and every success to you!