Holy Icon

"St. Isidore of Seville", acrylic on canvas, 16x20 inch, Bishop Maxim, 2022

Jn 3:13! All ‘Words into Spirit’ are translations of Spirit into words. The eyes of Isidore suggest great attention to the pages of the book. He is looking down at what is coming from above—in a sense, the pages go in both directions, like Jacob’s ladder. The meaning written on pages of the book comes to life moving in his heart to lift him in the heart to direction from which the Spirit illumines them. This is the position of a true Bishop and shepherd of the people! Historically his scholarly ‘assembling of many books’ might give it another turn! Isidore (636) is remembered for being the most learned person of his time, defending the true Faith, and assisting in the conversion of the Arian Goths. During his episcopate, he was known as a defender of justice, he founded schools and monasteries, and developed the Mozarabic Liturgy. His many writings became a primary source of knowledge in the West during the Middle Ages.