With the blessing and support of Metropolitan Polycarpos of Italy, a new edition of the Ecoschool took place over the weekend of 5–6 April in the Orthodox Parish of Saints Minas the Great Martyr and Ephraim the New Martyr, the Wonderworkers, in San Lorenzo di Sedegliano, on the occasion of the great Feast of the Resurrection of our Lord, God, and Saviour Jesus Christ.
The event brought together children and young people from the community in a special workshop entitled “The Icon: A Window into God,” dedicated to exploring the meaning of the icon in Orthodoxy’s liturgical and spiritual life.
The children were taught about the Mystery of the Resurrection, the profound symbolism of Christ’s Descent into Hades, and how the icon becomes a window into the transfigured reality of the Kingdom of God. Using language appropriate to their age, participants were introduced to the theology of the Orthodox icon and the beauty of sacred art as a means of prayer, veneration, and catechesis.
At the beginning of the workshop, the Very Reverend Protopresbyter Fr Petru Filipescu, parish priest, recalled the words full of spiritual realism spoken by the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew “Faith in the Resurrection of Christ and in our own resurrection does not negate the painful presence of death, suffering and the cross in the life of the world.”
At the same time, he emphasized that the Ecumenical Patriarch has repeatedly spoken about the formative role of faith in the Resurrection in the building of a just, moral, and compassionate society, in which human life, dignity, and hope are respected and protected.
During the practical part of the workshop, the children painted the icon of the Lord’s Resurrection on glass, inspired by traditional Byzantine models. Their works impressed by their expressiveness, iconographic fidelity, and artistic sensitivity.
The most successful icon will be sent as an Easter gift to the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, as a sign of communion, love, and gratitude towards the Father of all Orthodoxy.
The organizers wish to thank all those who supported this initiative – the parents, volunteers, local sponsors, and the children who responded with joy and enthusiasm to this invitation to rise together with faith, prayer, and creativity.
