BALAN, Priest Irineu  --  Studio "Saint Veronica"
Father Hieromonk Irineu Balan was born in 1973. In 1998 he graduated from both The Faculty of Fine Arts (Religious Paintings section) and the Faculty of Orthodox Theology (Pastoral Theology section) in Iasi city. In 1999 he received the tonsure for monastic life and the name of Irineu. From 1999 - 2003 he painted many Orthodox icons for Romanian Orthodox and Catholic churches, and also for churches from other countries including Italy, Spain, Luxembourg, Canada, U.S., Switzerland and Great Britain. Currently, Fr. Irineu paints religious icons and serves the Orthodox Church as a priest and confessor at the Bucium Monastery in Iasi city. He uses the traditional icon painting technique of egg tempera on wood. Through his icons he reveals a quiet and profound spirituality, one which is most proper for monks living in a world full of haste and noise.

 

 

Born in 1966 in New York, Elias was already a skillful artisan before he began his twelve year apprenticeship in traditional iconographic techniques. In his quest to acquire these, he studied at several universities in the United States (1981 to 1986) and then ventured out to Europe. Splitting his time between Europe and the United States, he collaborated, consulted and trained with leading artists and iconographers in private studios and various monasteries. The most notable among these are George Philipakes of New York (born in Crete) with whom he worked for about 15 years (1980-1995), and Constantine Youssis also of New York with whom he worked for 6 years. Projects he worked on included  — the Koimoisis (Dormition) of the Theotokos in Hampton, L.I., and
 — the dome and altar icons of the Panaghia Faneromeni Church in Greece. Throughout the years Elias travelled extensively to Greece, Turkey, France, Yugoslavia and Italy. Whether a pilgrim, a student of Byzantine art, or an official delegate representing the Orthodox Church of America, he has a strong   commitment to the Mother church of Orthodoxy and to the Holy Patriarchate of Constantinople. In 1991 Elias established his own iconography studio. Adhering at all times to strict Orthodox prototypes, Elias hand paints portable icons and large wall paintings thereby striving to suit the needs of the individual or community. He incorporates various techniques into his work including egg tempera, fresco, secco, gold gilding and produces his own paints from pigments. He also renders complete restoration of portable icons and murals. Elias lives his faith and understands his ministry as an Orthodox Iconographer working in the United States. He is currently accepting commissions for iconography for Orthodox communities and laity.