Prayer Carved in Wood: The Ukrainian Iconostasis as a Sign of Faith and Tradition in the Diaspora

At the parish of St. Volodymyr Catholic Church in Santa Clara, California, a new iconostasis has appeared—not only a sacred element of the church but also a profound testament to the living Ukrainian culture, faith, and parish unity.

The iconostasis project was designed and crafted by a Ukrainian family in the diaspora—Iryna Kulchytska and Mykola Zelenyak—with the sincere presence and supportive help of their daughters, Gabriella and Isabella, who became part of this family service.

The work on the design and content of the iconostasis was carried out under the spiritual guidance and blessing of the parish priest Fr. Roman Bobesyuk and Bishop Venedykt Aleksiychuk. This close connection between artistic work and spiritual guidance ensured a harmonious combination of tradition, theological content, and modern execution.

The artistic concept was based on the Ukrainian vyshyvanka—one of the deepest symbols of the national identity of the Ukrainian people. The traditional embroidery patterns embody the memory of generations, prayers, love, and pain of our history. It was these meanings that Mrs. Iryna sought to convey through the form, rhythm, and composition of the iconostasis.

This required a thorough rethinking of how traditional elements of embroidery could be graphically adapted for wood carving—a complex design process with numerous revisions, reviews of forms, layers, and depth. The geometry and symmetry of the patterns were carefully worked out, preserving the spirit of Ukrainian tradition while giving it a new, vibrant sound. A special artistic dominant of the iconostasis is the carved trident of Saint Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince Volodymyr, recreated from an authentic sample preserved on coins from the Kyivan Rus' era.

The iconostasis was entirely carved from wood—a material that is alive and warm, yet complex and demanding. Each element required high precision, patience, and multiple refinements. The project was large-scale and accompanied by numerous challenges: technical errors, broken parts, delays, and fatigue. However, perseverance and a common goal helped bring the work to a successful completion in just eight weeks.

The family also printed icons, adding a special integrity and responsibility to the project. From the initial concept and design to the creation of the wooden structure and the printing of icons—each stage was carried out by their own hands with deep respect for the sacred content.

The installation of the iconostasis became another trial and at the same time a vivid example of a living church community. Its installation would not have been possible without the selfless help of volunteers who worked late into the night, contributing their strength, time, and heart to ensure the iconostasis took its place in the church on the night before the consecration.

We express our sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to the creation and installation of the iconostasis through their financial support and personal involvement. Thanks to the joint efforts, sacrifice, and sincere service of many people, this important project became possible.

We extend special thanks to Father Roman for his pastoral leadership, far-sighted spiritual vision, and selfless service to the community. We also thank Mr. Volodymyr Chvyl for the masterful installation of the iconostasis, patience, and ability to find solutions even in difficult and unpredictable situations. We express gratitude to Mr. Bohdan Kovalchuk for his attentiveness and diligence in the installation of icons, as well as to Mr. Mykhailo Bolzovsky, Mr. Ivan, and Mrs. Alejandra Bugam for their selfless help and tireless work that lasted late into the night. May the Lord bless everyone who invested their hands, time, and heart into this work.

On October 19, 2025, the Most Reverend Bishop Venedykt, who led the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, consecrated the new iconostasis and ordained Deacon Oleg Zatvarsky to the priesthood. Thus, the Eparchy of St. Nicholas was enriched with another zealous servant in God's vineyard.

Today, this iconostasis is a symbol of the resilience of the Ukrainian spirit in the diaspora. It testifies that Ukrainian culture and faith live where there are people ready to preserve, transmit, and embody them in deeds. Even thousands of kilometers from Ukraine, the tradition remains alive, strong, and capable of uniting generations.