398 - The Time for Orthodox Art is NOW

In this talk at the Orthodox Arts Festival of 2025, I share my vision for a renewal of Orthodox Christian art rooted in meaningful participation and true celebration. We are living through the collapse of modern aesthetics—art has become propaganda, entertainment, and distraction. But this cultural decomposition presents an opportunity for something truly transformative.<br /><br />Orthodox art offers a profound alternative: not art as consumption or rebellion, but as participation, celebration, and enlightenment. Drawing on my work in children's literature, icon carving, and popular storytelling, I explore how we can reintegrate beauty, memory, and the sacred into every level of artistic creation—from liturgy to fairy tales.<br /><br />If you're an artist, a parent, or simply someone longing for a more meaningful creative world, I invite you to join me in rediscovering what art is really for—and how it can lead us back to God.<br /><br />YouTube version: https://youtu.be/WkQ1PP421nM<br />🕯️ Discover our books, courses, and more at http://www.thesymbolicworld.com<br />📖 Get early access to Rapunzel and the Evil Witch: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/rapunzel-and-the-evil-witch<br /><br />NEW COURSE: Scripture: The Key to Reality, presented by Seraphim Hamilton<br />This course is designed to help students appreciate the unique role the Bible plays in helping us step into the world as it truly is: a symbolic revelation of the Infinite God. Scripture is symbolic because it is a revelation of Jesus Christ, and Jesus Christ is the Archetype of the World. In a way, then, Scripture enfolds within itself the totality of the world, guiding its hearers to see an icon of Christ in each of God’s creatures: from trees to beasts to priests.<br />- Live classes are on Tuesday at 2 - 4 pm Eastern Time, starting June 10th through July 15th, 2025<br />- Class Length: 5 sessions, 10 hours total<br />- Cost: 120 USD (108 USD for Involved patrons)<br />- Register now: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/scripture-the-key-to-reality<br /><br />🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau <br />🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe <br />Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/ <br />My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/