Altar Panel by Olga Shalamova

“It is lovely to see little touches being introduced into the Chapel. Yesterday, the "Icon of the Incarnation" was installed. This is found in the south ambulatory, over a flock of birds that carry our prayers to heaven. The icon is spectacular. The wisdom of the Eternal Word is captured in the older Jesus sitting on his mother's lap. From the Annunciation to the Presentation, it tells the story of the Incarnation. The artist is Olga Shalamova; she is from St. Petersburg and combines a deep adherence to the traditional form of Orthodox iconography with creativity and artistic precision. We will add a stock of candles and create a space worthy of prayer and meditation. Meanwhile on this day, we pause and marvel at this remarkable image with such theological depth and beauty. It really is quite exceptional. I invite everyone on this Holy Wednesday to make a journey to the icon and pause and say a prayer. Art raises the soul; and this piece does this remarkably well.”

The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D.
Dean and President
2013
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New Brunswick NJ, USA

“I am proud to announce that the fresco has been completed and that all is well with it. The image of Christ enthroned flanked by the Virgin Mary and Saint John The Evangelist is, in my humble opinion, breathtaking. The work of Philip Davydov is more then I could have hoped for and Philip has shown himself to be a gentle and serious Christian man who I am proud to call "friend". The work is a true doorway into the world of the Spirit and God's presence can be felt in it.”

Rev. Dr. Harry
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Encaustic Icon

“Hello Philip, I can confirm that the icon arrived safely to Pennsylvania. It is absolutely marvelous!!! The encaustic icons look much more vibrant and alive in person, and I feel honored to have this one as a life-long addition to my prayer corner. I took a look at your "Georgian Series" and they are likewise striking. Should you and Olga plan to live in Georgia for the foreseeable future, I would take great interest in visiting you. I will be in the country within 18 months. If any of my friends or family show interest in a patronal icon, I will recommend you enthusiastically. Many thanks and blessings”

N. D.
June 2022
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Textile Icon

“Dear Philip, yesterday I finally got both icons on fabric. I am really happy to see this wonderful piece of art! Say Olga please, that I'm now even more impressed by her work and very grateful for the image! I wish you and Olga all the best and thank you very much for all the time you took to solve the problem! Sincerely yours”

L.
June 2022
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Egg Tempera Icon

“Dear Olga and Philip “Dear Philip and Olga, Thank you so much for taking the time to check on the status of the icon. It arrived yesterday afternoon in perfect condition. I was thrilled to receive it. It's even more beautiful in person. And how appropriate for it to come during the Christmas season and just before my birthday (which happens to be tomorrow December 31). I wish you and Olga all the best and thank you very much for all the time you took to solve the problem! Thanks again for all your efforts to ship it to Canada. And thank you for producing such fine work. I believe the icon will be a part of our home for many years to come which means that you are also in some sense with us too. I'm attaching a picture of the delivered icon. Many thanks and warm wishes to you both. I hope you have a great Christmas season and a happy new year.
With gratitude"

C.B
December 2021
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Relief Icon

“My Friends Philip and Olga I came into receipt of the lovely Virgin and Child some days ago. I carefully released Her from the careful and safe mail wrap of Her travels and finally gazed upon the beautiful icon you have created for me. I am in high respect of the art created in this work. The Lady and Baby are laid into such a lovely context -- depth of scrolling, dimension, and lettering hold the two in adornment appropriate for them. Beautiful. I treasure this work and celebrate my good fortune at having studied with both of you and and beyond the classes now possess an Icon written by each of you. Keep me posted of your workshops. I would like to study with you again. Warm regards and appreciation for you efforts. Your work has come home to us and enriches our lives with it's presence. We are indebted to you, Thank you both.”

J.
November 2010
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Relief Icon

“To Philip Davydov and Olga Shalamova. Dear friends, I am the brother of ***, the happy beneficiary of the icon representing the Virgin Mary of Philerme. I see your masterpiece each day, why she is placed in my reception room. I congratulate you and I thank you. This icon is for me a reason of felicity and a way of meditation: I have the impression that the mother of God visit my home. You are wonderful artists. I admire the respect of every one for the inspiration of your par(tner, but I think that a piece with a similar beauty and spirituality can only stay the fruit of your "conversation". My profound gratitude for you. And my best wishes in the feast of the Nativity of Christ. This icon of the Mother of God is same as a birth rich of so much promises, promises for you, promises for me, promises for my benefactress, ***. We hope the best from done of God.”

+ M., Bishop of T.
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