AN outstanding icon of St Swithun, which has been produced for St Swithun’s Church at Shobrooke, was dedicated by the Crediton Benefice Community Rector, the Rev Matthew Tregenza during a special Songs of Praise service held at the church.

The Icon was made by Ukrainian iconographer Anna Mazur who has lived locally for a number of years.

Anna was unable to attend the service due to illness but her work was praised and thanks and good wishes were sent to her.

Anna explained: “I am a Ukrainian, who for the last 17 years has dedicated myself to the sacred art of icon painting.

“The past three years in England have been a journey and time of discovery, during which I have encountered many people interested in the history and use of icons and eager to understand more fully their spititual and cultural significance.

“Inspired by this growing interest, I launched a project aimed at fostering a dialogue about iconography and its significance within the wider community.

“I am grateful to those who believe in me, and who have become an important part of the project.

“We are meeting organisations, both spiritual and secular, to discuss how icons resonate and are significant in our lives today, exploring their presence, meaning and potential use within the wider community.

“This has led to the creation of individual holy images for specific organisations, and opened up new avenues of collaboration.

“I hope to continue and foster these collaborations and encourage those interested to explore the beauty and significance of icons.

“This is my way of giving back - a way of sharing the beauty of iconography and its deeper meaning, and highlighting a deep connection between the spiritual and material that often gets lost in our busy world.”

The service was conducted by Rev Sandra Collier, Benefice Assistant Curate, with the welcome by Churchwarden John Lee.

There was a good congregation of more than 50 people present including members of the congregation from St Swithun’s Church at Sandford and members of the Ukrainian Singers of Crediton.

Jan Sutch Pickard read a poem entitled St Swithun was here.

The Ukrainian Singers sang two songs and there was also delightful music from violinist James Cookson and organist Peter Gilks.

There were a number of readings and hymns sung.

Rev Tregenza spoke of icons as objects of devotion and prayer and said that the church was “so blessed to have it” describing it as “a wonderful image of our Saint”.

He talked about how little was known about the Saint but talked about the miracles attributed to his Intercession, the 40 churches dedicated to him in the South of England and about the famous saying about 40 days attributed to him.

He described Anna as “one of the finest icon writers I know”.

Eddie Sherwood of Crediton was thanked for making a lovely stand in which the icon could be permanently displayed.

Refreshments arranged by Sally Foot were enjoyed after the service.