The Resurgence of Iconography in Non-Orthodox Western Churches

The revival of iconography in Western Christianity, particularly among Roman Catholic, Anglican/Episcopal, Byzantine Rite Catholic, and Polish National Catholic traditions, reflects a growing appreciation for the theological and aesthetic depth of sacred images. Although the Reformation largely curtailed the use of icons in many Western churches, the 20th and 21st centuries have seen a renewal of interest in iconographic traditions, often drawing directly from Byzantine and Russian Orthodox sources.

Byzantine Rite Catholic Churches (Eastern Catholic)

Overview

Byzantine Catholic Churches (often called Greek Catholic or Eastern Catholic) have always maintained an iconographic tradition parallel to their Orthodox counterparts. However, the late 20th century saw a renewed emphasis on traditional iconography, particularly after the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965), which encouraged Eastern Catholic churches to reclaim their authentic heritage.

Key Figures & Movements

• Leonid Ouspensky & Vladimir Lossky – Although working within the Orthodox tradition, Ouspensky’s influence extended to Byzantine Catholics seeking to revive authentic iconography. His The Meaning of Icons became a foundational text for Eastern Catholics rediscovering their artistic tradition.

• Archimandrite Robert Taft, S.J. – A Byzantine Catholic Jesuit liturgist, Taft’s research on Eastern Christian art and liturgy helped guide iconographic revival efforts in Byzantine Catholic parishes.

• Fr. Thomas Loya (Byzantine Catholic) – A contemporary American priest-iconographer who promotes traditional Eastern Catholic iconography through workshops and parish commissions.

Resources

• 📚 Eastern Catholic Liturgical Theology According to the Byzantine Tradition – David Petras

• 📚 The Icon: Window on the Kingdom – Michel Quenot

Institutions Promoting Iconographic Renewal

• ⛪ Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky Institute (Canada) – A leading center for Byzantine Catholic theology, including iconography studies.

• ⛪ Byzantine Catholic Seminary of Sts. Cyril and Methodius (USA) – Offers courses on iconographic tradition within Byzantine Catholicism.

• ⛪ Ukrainian Catholic University (Lviv, Ukraine) – Has promoted the return to traditional Eastern Christian art among Byzantine Catholics.

Polish National Catholic Church (PNCC)

Overview

The Polish National Catholic Church (PNCC), an independent Catholic Church with Eastern Christian influences, has preserved and, in some cases, revived the use of iconography. This is particularly visible in liturgical art and church decoration, often blending Polish folk religious art with Byzantine and Romanesque influences.

Key Developments

• In the early 20th century, PNCC churches featured Western-style religious paintings, but by the mid-20th century, efforts were made to restore more traditional iconography.

• ⛪ The Cathedral of St. Stanislaus (Scranton, PA) features a blend of traditional Eastern-style iconography and Western sacred art.

• Contemporary PNCC parishes commission iconographers trained in Byzantine techniques, integrating Slavic folk stylesinto iconography.

Resources & Institutions

• ⛪ Savonarola Theological Seminary (Scranton, PA) – PNCC’s primary seminary, incorporating Eastern Christian aesthetics in liturgical studies.

• Polish Iconographic Traditions – Many PNCC icons reflect historical Polish icon painting traditions, such as the Black Madonna of Częstochowa, influencing contemporary PNCC iconographers.

Roman Catholic Church

Overview

After centuries of favoring Western Renaissance and Baroque sacred art, the Roman Catholic Church experienced a revival of iconographic appreciation in the 20th century, influenced by:

1. The Liturgical Movement (early 1900s–Vatican II), which encouraged a return to early Christian and Byzantine models.

2. The Second Vatican Council (1962–1965), which emphasized Eastern Christian traditions and encouraged the renewal of sacred art.

3. The influence of Orthodox and Eastern Catholic icons, leading many Catholic churches to incorporate icons in chapels, devotional spaces, and new liturgical art.

Key Figures & Movements

• 👤 Jerzy Nowosielski (1923–2011) – A Polish Orthodox-Catholic artist who introduced modern Byzantine-style icons in Polish Catholic churches. His work remains a major influence on modern Catholic iconography in Poland and beyond.

• 👤 Fr. Marko Rupnik, S.J. – A Slovenian Jesuit and artist, Rupnik is known for his Byzantine-influenced mosaics in Catholic churches worldwide (e.g., the Redemptoris Mater Chapel in Vatican City).

• 👤 Egon Sendler, S.J. – A Catholic priest who trained in Orthodox iconography and wrote The Icon: Image of the Invisible, influencing contemporary Catholic iconographers.

• 👤 Sr. Eliseea Papacioc – A Romanian Orthodox nun who became a prominent Catholic iconographer, painting icons in Catholic monastic settings.

Resources

• 📚 The Icon: Image of the Invisible – Egon Sendler

• 📚 The Theology of the Icon – Leonid Ouspensky

• 📚 The Spirit of the Liturgy – Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI) discusses the theological significance of icons.

• 📚 Toward a More Sacramental Encounter, Jeana Visel, OSB

• 📚 Behold the Beauty of the Lord: Praying with Icons, Henri Nouwen

Institutions Promoting Iconographic Renewal

• 🎨 Pontifical Oriental Institute (Rome) – A Vatican-run institution focusing on Eastern Christian traditions, including iconography.

• 🎨 The Prince’s School of Traditional Arts (UK) – Offers courses in sacred icon painting influenced by both Eastern and Western traditions.

• 🎨 Sacra Liturgia Conferences – A movement promoting traditional sacred art, including iconography, within Catholic liturgy.

Anglican & Episcopal Churches

Overview

Since the Oxford Movement (19th century), which encouraged the revival of pre-Reformation Christian traditions, Anglican and Episcopal churches have reintroduced icons in various ways.

• High Church Anglicans and Anglo-Catholics are most likely to incorporate icons into their liturgical spaces and private devotions.

• Some Anglican cathedrals and chapels have commissioned new icons in the Byzantine style, while others maintain a blend of medieval, Gothic, and Orthodox influences in sacred art.

Key Figures & Movements

• Aidan Hart (UK) – An Orthodox deacon and British iconographer who has painted for Anglican churches, integrating icons into Western Christian spaces.

• Robert Lentz – A Franciscan brother whose icons (some highly controversial) have been widely adopted in Episcopal and Catholic circles.

• Rev. Peter Pearson – An American Episcopalian priest and iconographer who teaches traditional Byzantine iconography workshops within Anglican and Catholic communities.

Resources

• 📚 Techniques of Icon and Wall Painting – Aidan Hart

• 📚 Praying with Icons – Henri Nouwen (popular among Catholic and Anglican readers)

• 📚 Windows into the Soul: Icons and Spirituality – Archbishop Rowan Williams (Anglican perspective on icons)

Institutions Promoting Iconographic Renewal

• ⛪ St. Vladimir’s Seminary (NY, USA) – Though Orthodox, it has provided icon workshops for Episcopalians interested in incorporating iconography into their traditions.

• ⛪ The Litergical Arts Center at St. Tikon's Seminary (PA, USA) - located at St. Tikhon's Monastery, is a place dedicated to the visual arts of the church, featuring an icon studio, chapel, and woodshop, with the goal of promoting and preserving Orthodox liturgical art. 

• ⛪ The Anglican Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham (UK) – A major pilgrimage site where icons are venerated.

• ⛪ St. Gregory of Nyssa Episcopal Church (San Francisco, USA) – Features large-scale iconographic murals of saints, integrating Orthodox-style icons in an innovative way.

Conclusion: The Growing Role of Icons in the West

The resurgence of iconography in non-Orthodox Western churches demonstrates a renewed interest in sacred visual theology and liturgical aesthetics. While Orthodox churches have always maintained the unbroken tradition of iconography, Western Christians—whether Byzantine Catholics, Roman Catholics, Anglicans, or members of the Polish National Catholic Church—have increasingly embraced icons as a vital part of worship, spiritual practice, and artistic renewal.