RELIGION

Artist creating sacred images in dome of Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church

Jan 30, 2022, 11:35 PM | Updated: Jun 7, 2022, 3:22 pm

HOLLADAY, Utah — Members of the Greek Orthodox community in Utah have recently hired an iconographer to create sacred images for the dome of Prophet Elias Church in Holladay.

KSL’s Carole Mikita brings us the exclusive story of an ancient art form.

With each brushstroke, much of it in gold paint, Dionysis Bouloubassis, expresses both his talent and his faith.

Bouloubassis was trained in the art of iconography.

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, he was raised in Greece and studied at an art school there.

“Every day, I pray with what I am doing. When I’m working, I feel that somehow, I pray – it’s, I’m gonna say, it’s a part of my work,” he said.

The art of creating Christian icons dates back to the Byzantine and Orthodox tradition, as early as the third century.

They are meant to be beautiful, eye-catching representations of Diety, apostles, prophets and holy women.

Father Patrick O’Rourke is the assistant priest at Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church.

A year ago, he met with the Church Beautification Committee to discuss new artwork for the dome in the sanctuary. He discovered that they had enough money to pay for a stunning transformation.

“The building itself preaches the Gospel. It tells us the story — when we’re here, we’re in Heaven on earth. We are in a Heaven made from the earth, which is our understanding of what Christ came and did for us — that He sanctified us by His presence.”

In order to create new art for the dome, Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church has been closed for two months, the pews moved and covered to protect them from dust, and the floor taken over by scaffolding.

Over the weeks, the artist has painstakingly revealed his vision.

Bouloubassis does his work — well, think of Michaelangelo — suspended some 70 feet on plywood that often moves when he does.

To get that high in the air, you ride on a scissors lift, and then climb through a small opening. And through that small opening, even from the sanctuary floor, you can see a stunning image — just a peak at treasures to come.

Rarely is anyone this close to the sacred art in the dome of a Greek Orthodox Church, aside from the artist, but KSL photographer Derek Petersen and KSL arts and religion reporter Carole Mikita traveled up to that dome to witness it for themselves.

Once the scaffolding is removed, the site from the sanctuary floor is stunning.

The artist hopes to inspire.

“I feel and I hope if what I am doing helps some people come to the Church. What they read, what they pray, they can also see in the work. They can see the life of Christ,” Bouloubassis said.

Father Patrick hopes the icons represent more than beautiful art. These sacred images are meant to connect faith through the ages.

“When people look up to the dome that has been empty for almost 20 years, they’ll see the face of God, they’ll see the face of Christ — and that encounter brings them closer to their own faith, to their own purposes, to the grace of God,” he said.

Parishioners of Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church will return to worship services Sunday, Feb. 6, to see and celebrate this beautiful artwork.

KSL 5 TV Live

Religion

FILE: candles...

Eliza Pace

Calvary Salt Lake to host non-denominational Easter service at Abravanel Hall

Calvary Salt Lake announced a Resurrection Service would be held at Abravanel Hall in Salt Lake City on Sunday for Easter. 

2 days ago

The Kirtland Temple, was dedicated by Joseph Smith in 1836. It reopened for tours on Monday, March ...

Daniel Woodruff

‘Definitely memorable’: Utahns travel to Kirtland for temple reopening

The nearly 200-year-old Kirtland Temple welcomed visitors Monday from Utah and beyond, as the building is now under new ownership.

3 days ago

pulpit in white in a white room...

Daniel Woodruff

Kirtland Temple reopens for public tours after Church acquires property

Monday was the first day of tours at the Kirtland Temple after The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints acquired the Ohio property earlier this month.

3 days ago

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints opened a new exhibit in the Church History Museum o...

Karah Brackin

New exhibit of Missouri artifacts opens in Church History Museum

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints opened a new exhibit in the Church History Museum Monday, which will be open to the public until Oct. 26.

3 days ago

Attendees listen to the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square during the193rd Semiannual General Confer...

Becky Bruce

Music and the Spoken Word has a new voice

The world’s longest-running radio broadcast is getting a new voice.

5 days ago

The Manti Utah Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints....

Dan Rascon

‘I stand in awe’: Church leaders prepare to rededicate historic Manti Utah Temple

The historic Manti Utah Temple is just days away from opening to the public after a two-and-a-half-year renovation.

17 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Artist creating sacred images in dome of Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church