Learn About the Icon of Saint Mary of Egypt
Saint Mary of Egypt, also known as Mary the Egyptian, is a revered saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church, celebrated on April 1st. The icon of Saint Mary of Egypt is a famous depiction of the saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
The icon typically shows Mary as a repentant sinner, kneeling before the cross with tears streaming down her face. She is often shown wearing tattered clothing and long, unkempt hair to symbolise her life as a hermit in the desert. In some versions of the icon, Mary is also shown receiving Holy Communion from the monk Zosimas, who discovered her in the desert. The icon of Saint Mary of Egypt serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of repentance and the infinite mercy of God.
The Journey of Saint Mary of Egypt
According to tradition, Mary was born in Egypt in the 5th century and was a prostitute for 17 years. She decided to pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. However, on the way, she stopped in Alexandria and boarded a ship to Jerusalem without paying her fare.
During the voyage, Mary experienced a profound spiritual awakening and decided to renounce her former life of sin and devote herself to God. When she arrived in Jerusalem, she went to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and prayed for forgiveness. She then retired to the desert east of the Jordan River, where she lived as a hermit for the next 47 years, fasting and praying.
Saint Mary of Egypt’s Legacy
Mary became known for her asceticism and spiritual insight, and many people sought her advice and counsel. She is said to have performed miracles, including healing the sick and casting out demons.
Mary died in the desert. Later monk Zosimas discovered her body While wandering in the desert. Zosimas buried her body and spread the news of her holy life. Her relics were taken to Constantinople many years later, and a church was built in her honour.
We venerate Saint Mary of Egypt as an example of repentance and spiritual transformation. Her life serves as a reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace and that it is never too late to turn to Him.
Write an Icon of Saint Mary of Egypt
Learn to write your own icon of Saint Mary of Egypt with our Online Course Recordings.
Learn About the Icon of Saint Mary of Egypt
Intermediate Icon Painting Course Recordings
Purchase lifetime access to the course recordings and work through each session at your own pace to paint an icon of St Mary of Egypt.
The intermediate icon painting course is designed and recommended for those who
- Have done Beginners Online Course
- Have painted at least one icon
- Have some art experience (please contact us if you are unsure about this)
- Anyone that wants to deepen their knowledge and skills in iconography
Access the recordings for a step-by-step course in which you will be guided through the whole process and will be able to see every brushstroke thanks to live demonstrations.
The rhythm of the course helps to create a space of quietness. Whether is a prayer or quiet meditation for you.
What you will learn:
- More in-depth understanding of egg tempera and methods used in icon painting
- Master Russian method that includes the application of thin layers of paintÂ
- master working with lights to build shapes
- Deepen your spiritual practice
- Gold leaf gilding using caramel glue which is called “suslo” in the Russian tradition of iconography. It will be a new precipice added to your skills.
You will still be practising traditional techniques used in iconography.
Basia will guide you in the way that you will be able to introduce your ideas into the image.
The course will include demonstrations of every stage of creating an icon.
Students will be guided to complete their icons in a traditional Russian method of writing icons.
Please contact us if you are unsure if this course will suit you or have any questions about the course.
