Handmade Byzantine Icons by Georgios Chatzipazarlis
Searching for the light
Find out about the iconographer's journey, education and devotion to time-honored techniques.
Constantinos Xenopoulos
Chief Iconographer of the Patriarchate of Alexandria & Iconography Teacher
Georgios was my student in the Hagiography class of the School of Iconography of the Holy Metropolis of Serres and Nigrita. His performance at the Metropolitan School was Outstanding.
Because of this, once he had completed his studies at the School I, as his teacher, encouraged him to explore additional techniques within Byzantine art, including portraiture, even in Katerini city. At the same time, I welcomed him, on account of his Exceptional performance into the Byzantine Iconography courses I taught at the Faculty of Theology of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
Working with children further deepened his understanding of techniques and materials.
Fr. Loukas
Hieromonk and Iconographer of Xenophontos Monastery, Mt. Athos
Georgios has visited our Holy Monastery repeatedly and has observed us work in our iconography lab.
From the very beginning, I recognized the talent God has granted him, and based on his works and progress, it is clear that he possesses the technical skill but also the theoretical understanding of the sacred art of iconography. His inclination and advancement in iconography have been admirable throughout the years of our acquaintance, and he is fully capable of undertaking and completing both portable icons and wall paintings.
May Our Lady bless his spiritual life and the works of his hands.
Nun Euphemia
Abbess of the Holy Monastery of Pantokrator Saint Athanasios, Corfu
In recent years, we have joyfully observed the remarkable progress of Georgios Chatzipazarlis, son of Presbyter Leonidas, in the sacred art of iconography.
His character, his love for the perfect, and his masterful brushwork point to a promising future. In our humble opinion, he is worthy of undertaking both portable icons and wall paintings.
Ι pray that our Lord Jesus Christ and the Most Holy Theotokos may guide his hands to depict with excellence and reverence the likeness of Their presence and that of all the saints.
Yannis Badekas - Entrepreneur
We entrusted a young iconographer because we knew that he had studied alongside Mr. Konstantinos Xenopoulos. We first received the icon of Saint Catherine, and we were relieved by the result. At the same time, recognizing the ability of a humble young man, we entrusted him with the Hospitality of Abraham and then Saint Luke the Doctor. The result spoke to our hearts. Bravo to the teacher Xenopoulos, bravo to the charismatic iconographer George, bravo to the unsung hero Fr. Leonidas.
Diamantis Kantaras - Former Bank Manager
He expresses himself with such clarity and realism in practice, that each of his works naturally captures the true likeness of the face or faces he depicts, and as a result you feel they are real and speak to your soul. I would say our Church has these wonderful hymns despite the fact that they were written by human hands, because they were actually led by the Holy Spirit. So Virginia and I believe that George is led by his Holy Angel and the Holy God. May he be strong and always give us these wonderful masterpieces of his.
Anastasia Kefala - Secretary & Notary
It is very difficult to find words capable of capturing the emotions that flooded my heart upon seeing George's icons! It is as if the figures of the Saints come to life and calm your soul! He is endowed with Divine Charisma!
Anastasia Tziaferi - Entrepreneur
Icons... made to kiss! Serene, sweet forms, gazes that seem to communicate with you, with colors and golden details made with aesthetics and persistence in perfection, and above all with love for what he does. George is a genuine artist with a special affinity for Orthodox Iconography, who manages to highlight older but also new icons, combining the old style with modern technology and the fresh perspective of a young creator. The result is often more than expected, a pleasant surprise that causes admiration. We hope and expect many more of his works, with the grace of God and his own tireless effort.
Fotini Tsouknida - Family Psychotherapist
Iconography is a sacred moment for him, the very hour in which he paints. And this is conveyed through the expressiveness of the faces, the harmony and light in the colors, the sensitivity in the gaze, and the subtle movement of the hands. His iconography speaks! It is all like a handiwork of the soul, like a mystical encounter with the Saint, the Triune God, our Mother, the Theotokos. Everything is done with care and wisdom. Everything with delicacy and reverence. He paints in prayer; we can feel it. And that gives birth to inspiration for prayer in every soul that embraces his creation. His brushstroke will embrace people for generations to come, as within him flows a pure and genuine faith in the Word of God and a living hope in the power of creation to bring about the miracle of our spiritual resurrection.
Father Simon, Abbot of the Holy Monastery of Kallergis
Georgios is one of the leading mordern iconographers in Greece. On a scale of 1 to 10, I rate him excellent. He has a personal style in his work, and I recommend him unconditionally. In regards to portable icons, he truly excels. He's making Orthodox Iconography history.
Elizabeth Charitou - Presbytera & Philologist
As I looked at his iconography, an admiration was created in my soul for the great talent that God gave him and that he of course practiced and multiplied. His iconography is so vivid that it uplifts the soul and creates an atmosphere suitable for prayer.
Yannis Badekas - Entrepreneur
We entrusted a young iconographer because we knew that he had studied alongside Mr. Konstantinos Xenopoulos. We first received the icon of Saint Catherine, and we were relieved by the result. At the same time, recognizing the ability of a humble young man, we entrusted him with the Hospitality of Abraham and then Saint Luke the Doctor. The result spoke to our hearts. Bravo to the teacher Xenopoulos, bravo to the charismatic iconographer George, bravo to the unsung hero Fr. Leonidas.
Diamantis Kantaras - Former Bank Manager
He expresses himself with such clarity and realism in practice, that each of his works naturally captures the true likeness of the face or faces he depicts, and as a result you feel they are real and speak to your soul. I would say our Church has these wonderful hymns despite the fact that they were written by human hands, because they were actually led by the Holy Spirit. So Virginia and I believe that George is led by his Holy Angel and the Holy God. May he be strong and always give us these wonderful masterpieces of his.
Anastasia Kefala - Secretary & Notary
It is very difficult to find words capable of capturing the emotions that flooded my heart upon seeing George's icons! It is as if the figures of the Saints come to life and calm your soul! He is endowed with Divine Charisma!
Anastasia Tziaferi - Entrepreneur
Icons... made to kiss! Serene, sweet forms, gazes that seem to communicate with you, with colors and golden details made with aesthetics and persistence in perfection, and above all with love for what he does. George is a genuine artist with a special affinity for Orthodox Iconography, who manages to highlight older but also new icons, combining the old style with modern technology and the fresh perspective of a young creator. The result is often more than expected, a pleasant surprise that causes admiration. We hope and expect many more of his works, with the grace of God and his own tireless effort.
Fotini Tsouknida - Family Psychotherapist
Iconography is a sacred moment for him, the very hour in which he paints. And this is conveyed through the expressiveness of the faces, the harmony and light in the colors, the sensitivity in the gaze, and the subtle movement of the hands. His iconography speaks! It is all like a handiwork of the soul, like a mystical encounter with the Saint, the Triune God, our Mother, the Theotokos. Everything is done with care and wisdom. Everything with delicacy and reverence. He paints in prayer; we can feel it. And that gives birth to inspiration for prayer in every soul that embraces his creation. His brushstroke will embrace people for generations to come, as within him flows a pure and genuine faith in the Word of God and a living hope in the power of creation to bring about the miracle of our spiritual resurrection.
Father Simon, Abbot of the Holy Monastery of Kallergis
Georgios is one of the leading mordern iconographers in Greece. On a scale of 1 to 10, I rate him excellent. He has a personal style in his work, and I recommend him unconditionally. In regards to portable icons, he truly excels. He's making Orthodox Iconography history.
Elizabeth Charitou - Presbytera & Philologist
As I looked at his iconography, an admiration was created in my soul for the great talent that God gave him and that he of course practiced and multiplied. His iconography is so vivid that it uplifts the soul and creates an atmosphere suitable for prayer.
Yannis Badekas - Entrepreneur
We entrusted a young iconographer because we knew that he had studied alongside Mr. Konstantinos Xenopoulos. We first received the icon of Saint Catherine, and we were relieved by the result. At the same time, recognizing the ability of a humble young man, we entrusted him with the Hospitality of Abraham and then Saint Luke the Doctor. The result spoke to our hearts. Bravo to the teacher Xenopoulos, bravo to the charismatic iconographer George, bravo to the unsung hero Fr. Leonidas.
Diamantis Kantaras - Former Bank Manager
He expresses himself with such clarity and realism in practice, that each of his works naturally captures the true likeness of the face or faces he depicts, and as a result you feel they are real and speak to your soul. I would say our Church has these wonderful hymns despite the fact that they were written by human hands, because they were actually led by the Holy Spirit. So Virginia and I believe that George is led by his Holy Angel and the Holy God. May he be strong and always give us these wonderful masterpieces of his.
Anastasia Kefala - Secretary & Notary
It is very difficult to find words capable of capturing the emotions that flooded my heart upon seeing George's icons! It is as if the figures of the Saints come to life and calm your soul! He is endowed with Divine Charisma!
Anastasia Tziaferi - Entrepreneur
Icons... made to kiss! Serene, sweet forms, gazes that seem to communicate with you, with colors and golden details made with aesthetics and persistence in perfection, and above all with love for what he does. George is a genuine artist with a special affinity for Orthodox Iconography, who manages to highlight older but also new icons, combining the old style with modern technology and the fresh perspective of a young creator. The result is often more than expected, a pleasant surprise that causes admiration. We hope and expect many more of his works, with the grace of God and his own tireless effort.