As part of the long-term vision for Ss. Mary and Michael Parish, the Council of Nativity of the Theotokos Church (St. Mary’s) is moving forward with the next stage of enhancements to the Madera Nave through painted iconography. This phase will introduce two large icons that proclaim who we are as one community gathered in Christ: St. Michael the Archangel on the south wall of the nave, and All Saints of North America on the north wall. Both icons are being hand-painted for us by Dmitry Shkolnik, whose work is marked by theological faithfulness to the Orthodox iconographic tradition and by a deep sense of prayer.
St. Michael the Archangel
Total Cost: $3,000 • Pledge Amount Remaining: $0
St. Michael is the heavenly protector of our parish family and the namesake of one of our churches. His presence on the north wall reflects the Scriptural and liturgical tradition of the Archangel as defender, intercessor, and captain of the hosts of heaven. A significant portion of the cost of this icon will be underwritten by the St. Mary’s Memorial Fund in honor of parishioner Michael Eugene Sidorick, who reposed in the Lord in April 2025.
Preliminary Sketch | Rough South Wall Mockup
(This icon is now fully pledged. Thank you to all who supported this offering.)
All Saints of North America
Total Cost: $7,000 • Pledge Amount Remaining: $7,000
This icon reflects the unique witness of the saints who labored, prayed, preached, and suffered for the Gospel on this continent. Placing them in a prominent place in the Madera Nave affirms that holiness is not only ancient, but also present and growing in our own land. It is a reminder that the Saints of North America stand with us at every Divine Liturgy. And with the recent canonization of St. Olga of Alaska, this will be one of the first icons in the world to depict all 19 canonized saints of North America.
Preliminary Sketch | Rough North Wall Mockup
How You Can Help
If you would like to support this phase of the project, a pledge form is available here. Gifts may be offered in memory or in honor of loved ones, and all offerings will be acknowledged in a commemorative booklet of gratitude. Please note that names will not appear on or around the icons themselves, in keeping with Orthodox practice. Once an icon is fully pledged, work will begin. Donors may take as long as needed to fulfill their pledge, though our goal is to receive all pledges by December 31, 2026.
Thank you for helping us beautify our church in Madera and strengthen the spiritual life and unity of our parish.