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Writing the Divine: An Introduction to Byzantine Iconography
Writing the Divine: An Introduction to Byzantine Iconography

Writing the Divine: An Introduction to Byzantine Iconography

Discover the historical practice of Orthodox iconography and write (paint) your very own icon in this 8-week introductory course.

Time & Location

10 Oct 2026, 10:00 am – 28 Nov 2026, 12:00 pm

Hellenic Museum, 280 William St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Event Details

Discover centuries of tradition. Learn the craft. Write an icon of your own.


Presented in partnership with Ikon Atelier in celebration of the Divine Thresholds landmark exhibition, this immersive eight-week course offers a rare opportunity to explore the ancient art of Orthodox iconography through hands-on practice.


Guided step-by-step, you’ll discover the history, symbolism and sacred visual language of Byzantine icons while learning traditional egg tempera techniques, pigment preparation, layering, colour building and fine brushwork.


Across eight weekly, two-hour sessions, you’ll create your own traditional hand-written icon of the Mother of God from beginning to end. You’ll also receive a specially prepared course folder with notes, reference materials, guided exercises and traditional egg tempera recipes, giving you the tools to continue your practice beyond the course.


Course Dates & Times

This course runs from Saturday 10 October to Saturday 28 November 2026, and includes 8 x weekly sessions:


  • 10AM–12.30PM Saturday 10 October 2026*

  • 10AM–12PM Saturday 17 October 2026

  • 10AM–12PM Saturday 24 October 2026

  • 10AM–12PM Saturday 31 October 2026

  • 10AM–12PM Saturday 7 November 2026

  • 10AM–12PM Saturday 14 November 2026

  • 10AM–12PM Saturday 21 November 2026

  • 10AM–12PM Saturday 28 November 2026


*Note: The first session on Saturday 10 October runs for an additional 30 minutes (10AM–12.30PM) to allow for a 30-minute guided tour of the Hellenic Museum's new major exhibition, Divine Thresholds: Icons and the Orthodox Christian World. All other sessions run 10AM–12PM.

  • Learn to create your own traditional hand-written icon from beginning to end

  • All materials provided, including a traditionally prepared icon board, pigments, egg tempera materials, brushes, tools, and specially adapted easels

  • Receive a specially prepared course folder with detailed notes, reference materials, guided exercises and traditional egg tempera recipes, giving you the tools to continue your practice beyond the course

  • Specifically designed for beginners, with a small class size for optimal learning

  • Note: please wear clothing you don't mind getting paint on, and/or bring your own apron

  • Designed for participants aged 16+ years

Born and raised in Melbourne, Apostolos Lagoutatzis is an iconographer of Greek heritage who has studied and practised Byzantine iconography for over 15 years. His training includes instruction from both local and internationally recognised iconographers, most notably Dr George Kordis, whose work has significantly influenced contemporary Byzantine iconography.


Apostolos has written icons for churches, chapels, and private commissions throughout Australia and internationally. He is also a graduate of St Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Theological College, providing him with a strong theological foundation in the tradition that underpins the sacred art of iconography.


Passionate about preserving and sharing this living tradition of the Church, Apostolos combines theological understanding with clear, practical instruction. His teaching makes Byzantine iconography accessible to beginners while remaining faithful to the principles and methods handed down through generations of iconographers.


Learn more about Apostolos and Ikon Atelier at ikonatelier.com.au



Tickets

  • Course Admission

    Includes 8 x sessions, plus all materials and resources. Just BYO apron!

    $1,400.00

Total

$0.00

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© Hellenic Museum 2026

Hellenic Museum —

Australia's only museum dedicated to the transformational power of Greek art, history and culture

10AM–4PM daily at 280 William Street, Melbourne. Closed on public holidays.

The Hellenic Museum acknowledges the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners on whose lands we work. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

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