{"product_id":"residential-icon-course-cervarolo-2025-june","title":"Byzantine Icon Painting Residential Course | September 4-11, 2026","description":"\u003ch2 id=\"a-sacred-art-immersion-in-the-italian-mountains\" data-streamdown=\"heading-2\" class=\"mt-6 mb-2 font-semibold text-2xl\"\u003eBook your immersion into Byzantine iconography in the Italian Alps\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"course-details\" data-streamdown=\"heading-3\" class=\"mt-6 mb-2 font-semibold text-xl\"\u003eCourse Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-streamdown=\"strong\" class=\"font-semibold\"\u003eDates:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eSeptember 4-11, 2026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan data-streamdown=\"strong\" class=\"font-semibold\"\u003eLocation:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eCasa di Betlemme, Cervarolo, Varallo, Italy\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan data-streamdown=\"strong\" class=\"font-semibold\"\u003eGroup Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eMaximum 4 students (intimate, personalized instruction)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan data-streamdown=\"strong\" class=\"font-semibold\"\u003eSkill Level:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eAll levels welcome but each student will be working on an icon of their own choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eCost: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e€850 for full board and tuition.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNon returnable deposit, to be paid now, reserves your place: \u003cstrong\u003e€400\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBalance of €450 due on arrival.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-streamdown=\"horizontal-rule\" class=\"my-6 border-border\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"whats-included\" data-streamdown=\"heading-2\" class=\"mt-6 mb-2 font-semibold text-2xl\"\u003eWhat's Included\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"instruction--materials\" data-streamdown=\"heading-3\" class=\"mt-6 mb-2 font-semibold text-xl\"\u003eInstruction \u0026amp; Materials\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-streamdown=\"unordered-list\" class=\"ml-4 list-outside list-disc whitespace-normal\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-streamdown=\"list-item\" class=\"py-1\"\u003e\n\u003cspan data-streamdown=\"strong\" class=\"font-semibold\"\u003eSix full days\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eof expert personal tuition in Byzantine iconography\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-streamdown=\"list-item\" class=\"py-1\"\u003ePre-course preparation via Zoom tutorials\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-streamdown=\"list-item\" class=\"py-1\"\u003eBasic pigments and materials provided\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-streamdown=\"list-item\" class=\"py-1\"\u003ePersonalised curriculum tailored to group needs and experience levels\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"spiritual-practice\" data-streamdown=\"heading-3\" class=\"mt-6 mb-2 font-semibold text-xl\"\u003eSpiritual Practice\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-streamdown=\"unordered-list\" class=\"ml-4 list-outside list-disc whitespace-normal\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-streamdown=\"list-item\" class=\"py-1\"\u003e\n\u003cspan data-streamdown=\"strong\" class=\"font-semibold\"\u003eDaily prayers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eto frame and sanctify the creative process\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-streamdown=\"list-item\" class=\"py-1\"\u003e\n\u003cspan data-streamdown=\"strong\" class=\"font-semibold\"\u003eGuided reflections\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eon the theology and spirituality of iconography\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-streamdown=\"list-item\" class=\"py-1\"\u003e\n\u003cspan data-streamdown=\"strong\" class=\"font-semibold\"\u003eSilent painting sessions\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ein the contemplative tradition\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-streamdown=\"list-item\" class=\"py-1\"\u003eIntegration of prayer, art, and the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"accommodation--meals\" data-streamdown=\"heading-3\" class=\"mt-6 mb-2 font-semibold text-xl\"\u003eAccommodation \u0026amp; Meals\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-streamdown=\"unordered-list\" class=\"ml-4 list-outside list-disc whitespace-normal\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-streamdown=\"list-item\" class=\"py-1\"\u003e\n\u003cspan data-streamdown=\"strong\" class=\"font-semibold\"\u003e7 nights\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eshared accommodation at Casa di Betlemme or neighboring apartment\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-streamdown=\"list-item\" class=\"py-1\"\u003e\n\u003cspan data-streamdown=\"strong\" class=\"font-semibold\"\u003eOne main meal daily\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e(lunch or dinner)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-streamdown=\"list-item\" class=\"py-1\"\u003eSelf-service breakfast and supper provisions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-streamdown=\"list-item\" class=\"py-1\"\u003eSunday half-day break for local Mass and relaxation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticipants will kindly help in the preparation and clearing away of meals, and keeping the property clean and tidy. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-streamdown=\"horizontal-rule\" class=\"my-6 border-border\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"your-experience\" data-streamdown=\"heading-2\" class=\"mt-6 mb-2 font-semibold text-2xl\"\u003eYour Experience\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-streamdown=\"strong\" class=\"font-semibold\"\u003eArrival \u0026amp; orientation:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eSeptember 4th (morning arrival recommended)\u003cbr\u003eJoin us for a welcome supper as you settle into your home for the week.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-streamdown=\"strong\" class=\"font-semibold\"\u003eDaily Rhythm:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEach day begins at 9am with prayer, grounding us in the sacred purpose of iconography. Painting sessions are held in contemplative silence in Ian's icon painting studio against the backdrop of a stunning mountain landscape. This silence allows the work to become a form of meditation, deepened by the profound stillness of the Italian alps and forests that surround us and guided by expert tuition.  Each student will have their own workspace in the studio or , if preferred, in the open air. Tuition is directed to a particular student but you can listen in on instruction being given to the other students if you feel it is helpful. We break for prayers and lunch at noon, and a convivial supper at 7pm before \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003econcluding the day. Its very informal and shaped by the group as a whole.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-streamdown=\"strong\" class=\"font-semibold\"\u003eThe Setting:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNestled in the foothills of the Alps, Casa di Betlemme offers a sanctuary for the making of liturgical art. The mountains and ancient forests of Varallo provide a natural cathedral—a space where the boundary between prayer and creativity dissolves. Here, in this timeless landscape, you'll discover how silence, nature, and sacred art work together to create things of timeless beauty. Varallo, the local town, is 7km away and is known as 'the City of Art'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-streamdown=\"strong\" class=\"font-semibold\"\u003eSunday, September 6th:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHalf-day schedule allowing time to attend Mass in the village or at the historic Sacro Monte of Varallo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-streamdown=\"strong\" class=\"font-semibold\"\u003eDeparture:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eSeptember 11th.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-streamdown=\"horizontal-rule\" class=\"my-6 border-border\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"the-contemplative-tradition\" data-streamdown=\"heading-2\" class=\"mt-6 mb-2 font-semibold text-2xl\"\u003eThe Contemplative Tradition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIcon painting is not merely an artistic practice—it is a spiritual discipline. In the Christian tradition, iconographers prepare through prayer and fasting, recognising that they are entrusted with an important task in the service of Christ and His Church. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring this retreat, you will:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-streamdown=\"unordered-list\" class=\"ml-4 list-outside list-disc whitespace-normal\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-streamdown=\"list-item\" class=\"py-1\"\u003eBegin each day with communal prayer. Friday will be a fast day without meat.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-streamdown=\"list-item\" class=\"py-1\"\u003ePaint in meditative silence, as generations of iconographers have done for centuries\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-streamdown=\"list-item\" class=\"py-1\"\u003eReflect on the theological depth of the images you create and how God is reaching out to you as you do so\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-streamdown=\"list-item\" class=\"py-1\"\u003eExperience how the natural world—mountains, forests, changing light and your companions—becomes part of your spiritual practice\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-streamdown=\"list-item\" class=\"py-1\"\u003eDiscover the icon a door from heaven where God meets us and we behold Him face to face.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe silence of our painting sessions is not empty, but full—filled with the presence of the mountains, the whisper of the forest, and the quiet work of the Holy Spirit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-streamdown=\"horizontal-rule\" class=\"my-6 border-border\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"before-you-arrive\" data-streamdown=\"heading-2\" class=\"mt-6 mb-2 font-semibold text-2xl\"\u003eBefore You Arrive\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-streamdown=\"unordered-list\" class=\"ml-4 list-outside list-disc whitespace-normal\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-streamdown=\"list-item\" class=\"py-1\"\u003e\n\u003cspan data-streamdown=\"strong\" class=\"font-semibold\"\u003ePre-course Zoom sessions\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eto help you select and prepare your icon\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-streamdown=\"list-item\" class=\"py-1\"\u003eEach participant chooses their own icon design\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-streamdown=\"list-item\" class=\"py-1\"\u003eArrive with your prepared board ready to begin\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-streamdown=\"list-item\" class=\"py-1\"\u003eDetailed preparation guidance provided upon registration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-streamdown=\"horizontal-rule\" class=\"my-6 border-border\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"important-information\" data-streamdown=\"heading-2\" class=\"mt-6 mb-2 font-semibold text-2xl\"\u003eImportant Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"transportation\" data-streamdown=\"heading-3\" class=\"mt-6 mb-2 font-semibold text-xl\"\u003eTransportation\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-streamdown=\"unordered-list\" class=\"ml-4 list-outside list-disc whitespace-normal\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-streamdown=\"list-item\" class=\"py-1\"\u003eParticipants arrange their own travel to Cervarolo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-streamdown=\"list-item\" class=\"py-1\"\u003e\n\u003cspan data-streamdown=\"strong\" class=\"font-semibold\"\u003eAirport transfer available:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eTaxi service from Malpensa Airport (approximately €80 per car) can be arranged upon request\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003ePlease note that Casa di Betlemme is on a mountain, off the road and up a series of fairly steep alleyways. Accommodation is either in the house or in a neighbouring clean but simply equipped  property.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"transportation\" data-streamdown=\"heading-3\" class=\"mt-6 mb-2 font-semibold text-xl\"\u003eDiet\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease let us know \u003cem\u003eimmediately\u003c\/em\u003e of any particular dietary requirements and allergies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"questions\" data-streamdown=\"heading-3\" class=\"mt-6 mb-2 font-semibold text-xl\"\u003eQuestions?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eContact us at\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-streamdown=\"strong\" class=\"font-semibold\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eian@eliasicons.co.uk\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-streamdown=\"horizontal-rule\" class=\"my-6 border-border\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"what-youll-take-home\" data-streamdown=\"heading-2\" class=\"mt-6 mb-2 font-semibold text-2xl\"\u003eWhat You'll Take Home\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-streamdown=\"unordered-list\" class=\"ml-4 list-outside list-disc whitespace-normal\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-streamdown=\"list-item\" class=\"py-1\"\u003eYour completed Byzantine icon, created in prayer and silence\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-streamdown=\"list-item\" class=\"py-1\"\u003eTraditional techniques passed down through centuries\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-streamdown=\"list-item\" class=\"py-1\"\u003eDeep understanding of sacred iconography and its theology\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-streamdown=\"list-item\" class=\"py-1\"\u003eThe experience of creative work as spiritual practice\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-streamdown=\"list-item\" class=\"py-1\"\u003eMemories of silence, beauty, and encounter—with art, with nature, with the Divine\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-streamdown=\"horizontal-rule\" class=\"my-6 border-border\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIn the heart of the Italian mountains, where ancient forests meet sacred tradition, discover the transformative power of creating icons in prayer and silence. This is more than an art course—it is a pilgrimage of the hands and heart.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Elias Icons","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52664455397708,"sku":null,"price":400.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0201\/0723\/1286\/files\/PANO_20240624_155118.jpg?v=1740397133","url":"https:\/\/elias-icons.myshopify.com\/products\/residential-icon-course-cervarolo-2025-june","provider":"Elias Icons","version":"1.0","type":"link"}