The Icon

The new icon, The Transfiguration of Creation, is a groundbreaking contribution to Christian devotion, theology, and art, offering an eschatological vision of Creation that spans from Genesis to New Jerusalem. Unlike existing icons of Creation that focus solely on the Genesis narrative with no reference to the New Creation, the new icon affirms Creation as a dynamic, incomplete, and still-unfolding process; and that 'procession' is being drawn toward Christ, the Alpha and Omega. The new icon integrates extinct creatures like dinosaurs and evolutionary themes to affirm the continuity and completeness of God’s creative and redemptive work. Drawing on Saint Maximus the Confessor's Logos cosmology, the new icon reflects a theological framework where all of Creation is imbued with divine purpose and inclined toward ultimate union with God. Lastly, the new icon conveys a powerful Creation-care message, illustrating humanity’s role as microcosm and mediator of Creation, called to humbly offer Creation back to God rather than exploit it. Click here for a full description of the underlying symbolism and theology, written by the artist.

The new icon was commissioned by Point Loma Nazarene University professor Andrew Nosal in 2023, and produced in the traditional Byzantine style by UK-based iconographer, Aidan Hart, who has over 40 years of experience in this timeless Christian art form. The finished icon, measuring 6 feet tall by 4 feet wide, arrived at the university in May 2025 and will be permanently displayed in the lobby of its Ryan Library. 

This work was made possible by the generosity of over 30 donors—thank you!

The new icon has been endorsed and blessed by His All-Holiness Bartholomew, the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, who sent the letter below.