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Answer:
Very
Rev. Ihor Kutash
kutash@unicorne.org
Since I embrace Orthodox doctrine and life
as wholeheartedly as I find myself capable of doing so, it does,of course,
sadden me that one - especially one who writes Icons - would leave the
bosom of the community from which this blessed tradition springs and flows
so abundantly.
I do not, however, believe that when one does so one automatically
deprives themselves of the Lord's graces. I would say that anyone who
decides that they have somehow learned precisely what the Lord will and
will not do or will or will not give - is in illusion. In fact a rather
dangerous illusion. It is this absolute certainty, this willingness to
determine the mind of God for Him that leads to fanaticism whereby people
do not worship God but their ideas about Him. And then believing people
become capable of doing unspeakable atrocities in His Name. *That* is
indeed blasphemy!
With all due respect to my Russian fellow-believer, I am not in agreement
that the writing of Icons by non-Orthodox without the blessing of an
Orthodox bishop is a blasphemy nor that such Icons should be burned
(although it is possible that when he/she prescribed this treatment the
intention was to be respectful of such Icons, for that is how one disposes
of Holy Things one can no longer use).
The Spirit of God breathes where He wills - may He be praised for this and
for all the marvelous things He does which are completely beyond our
grasp. Among those things is His continual self-revelation particularly
through Icons (as the Orthodox hold so vigorously!). And He has also said
that those who are not against us are for us.
A final note: this teacher might be further benefited by getting in touch
with other iconographers. There is an association of them: the St. John of
Damascus Association of Iconographers, Iconologists, and Architects. I
believe it is still functioning, but am not aware of its coordinates. It
is quite likely that St. Vladimir's Seminary in New York would know them,
since I read of them on the OCA Website.
Please see a
summary of articles on Icons on
this site for further information.
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