Kamianets-Podilskyi marks feast day of Iconography School’s heavenly patron

On October 31, 2025, the Kamianets-Podilskyi Iconography Theological School celebrated its annual feast day in honor of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke – the heavenly patron of iconographers. The festive Divine Liturgy was led by Metropolitan Theodor of Kamianets-Podilskyi and Horodok, concelebrated by the clergy of the eparchy.

In his welcoming address, the school’s rector explained the theological meaning of the feast: the Apostle Luke teaches the Church to preach through word, image, and life, while the icon is a testimony to the living presence of God – “a gaze where the Creator and creation meet.” The goal of theological education, he emphasized, is to draw nearer to God through learning, and to prayer through the icon.

During the Liturgy, prayers were offered for Ukraine, for an end to the war, and for peace. The singing was performed by the student choir of the school and the choir of the cathedral’s Sunday school.

The homily was delivered by the school’s instructor, Archpriest Mykhailo Drapaka. In his concluding address, Metropolitan Theodor drew attention to the distinctive features of the Gospel of Luke and recalled the tradition that made the Apostle its patron saint of iconographers.

On the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the school’s status as a theological institution, the rector presented the hierarch with an icon of the Mother of God “of Mercy” as a sign of gratitude and unity in service. The celebration concluded with a group photo and a festive meal.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that entrance examinations had been held at the Kamianets-Podilskyi Iconography School.