Introduction; The master artist sets down his paint brush and steps back,
satisfied It is the last brushstroke of the millions that precede this final
act of applying his trade. With a sense of resignation he lowers boxes of
paints and brushes, adhesives, gold leaf protractors and compasses along
with a stool and benches, from the top of the scaffolding to the ground.
He climbs down, how many times has he ascended and descended this scaffolding
that enabled him to paint these modern Byzantine frescoes on the high vaulted
ceiling and walls?
During the progress of this magnificent artwork many conversations with this
greatly talented artist usually ended with him saying "I do not speak English
very well" My answer was you speak the international language of art that is
understood by people, of all cultures, creeds and religion. Only you do not
speak with your tongue, you speak with the voice of your hand.
This thought inspired me to write this poem "The Voice of His Hand"
In the Church of Saint Dimitrija Solunski
The sacred art of Macedonian Orthodoxy
Progresses from the mind of this painter to his hand
Transforming the walls and vaulted ceiling
Into a vibrant pictorial exhibition
The congregation perpetuates faith and embraces the past
In memorializing their religious culture on plaster walls
The painters hand speaking for them
This painter is eloquent in the language of Art
On once blank surfaces figures and scenes appear
Our Lord the author of our salvation is central
His birth, His life, His death, His triumphant resurrection
His ascension, His promised return
The Holy Mother is there, the Apostles, the Martyrs
Writers of the faith and many of the Saints
Light, shape, colours are the voice of his hand
By virtue of these modern Byzantine frescoes
This Orthodox Church has become an art gallery of faith
The sanctuary is in effect an open Bible
Prompting reverence in worshippers and comfort for mourners
With these portrayed Saints we review the ageless story
Of mankind's savior, Jesus the Christ
And of our fellowship with God the Father
The painters hand speaks of these things
As day follows day and season follows season
We follow the progress of this master painter
Harmony of his body, soul and spirit is evident
As this immense labour, demands of his immense ability
Modestly he accepts our praise, in the knowledge
That this work exalts his Macedonian heritage of Christianity
And on completion this masterpiece belongs to us, not him
His hand expresses his mind......"All praise is to God"
Saint Dimitrija Solunski, Macedonian Orthodox Church
Markham, Ontario, Canada in the year 2009