Odesa Seminary displays iconography graduation works

Graduates of the Iconography Department of Odesa Theological Seminary defended their diploma projects. Photo: UOC Information and Education Department

On June 8, 2026, the Archangel Michael Convent in Odesa hosted the defense of graduation projects by students of the Iconography Department of Odesa Theological Seminary. With the blessing of Metropolitan Agafangel, the examination board was chaired by Archbishop Viktor of Artsyz, vicar of the eparchy, reports the UOC Information and Education Department.

Third- and fourth-year students presented a wide range of works, including analogion icons, wall icons, crosses, ornamental designs, and an altar Crucifix. Particular attention was drawn to the church mural painting projects.

For the first time in the history of the seminary’s Iconography Department, students completed a full-scale church painting program, decorating the altar apse of the convent Church of the Jerusalem Icon of the Mother of God. The project became the first example of integrating practical mural painting into the educational curriculum of UOC theological schools.

In addition, a manuscript restoration school was established within the department during the current academic year. At the examination, graduates presented their first restoration projects involving ancient manuscripts and books. The exhibition also featured mosaic icons, including depictions of the Mother of God and the scene of the Miracle of Archangel Michael at Chonae.

Among those attending the defense were Seminary Rector Archpriest Dmytro Yakovenko, Head of the Iconography Department Archpriest Oleksandr Hlukhyi, Abbess Mother Seraphima Shevchyk, as well as representatives of the National Union of Artists of Ukraine and public figures.

As previously reported, Metropolitan Agafangel presided over the jubilee graduation ceremony of Odesa Theological Seminary.

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