Saint Phoebe, Deaconess

By Libby Gray Koultourides

Artist Statement:

I was baptized and raised as a devout Episcopalian. Women deacons were part of my upbringing, including my own cousin, a priest, and Deacon Sarah Tracy, who founded St. Margaret’s House, a more than 30 year ministry to women and children in South Bend, Indiana. A few years after graduating from Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, I found myself drawn to the Catholic church. I completed the RCIA program at the University of Notre Dame, and was received into the Catholic church soon after. As a Catholic for more than 25 years now, I wanted this piece to represent my love and struggles within the church. As a deaconess in the early Church, Phoebe represents the historical work of women in communion, participation, and mission. Phoebe is acclaimed by Saint Paul as a benefactor, and possibly as a preacher and evangelizer. In creating this icon of Phoebe, I worked in tandem with a dear friend and iconographer, Janet Johnson. We each painted an icon of Phoebe over 3 days, in prayer and solidarity. The colors in the piece are meant to be calming and serene. Phoebe wears the traditional headdress and colors of a deaconess, but her hair flows freely, openly stating her womanhood. She holds the censer in front of her, her prayers rising up to God. Her eyes are peace-filled and intent. There is no ego and no agenda, only seeking to offer the light of Christ to others. This is my prayer for the church in this time of exploration and dialogue – to stay humble and prayerful, to seek the truth, and to share peace and compassion to all.

About the Artist:

Libby Gray Koultourides has been painting icons for nearly 10 years. She was inspired to learn this artform as a spiritual practice and as an expression of Christian unity, since iconography is found in many Christian churches. She has painted more than 40 icons of Christ, Mary, and the saints. Libby is Associate Vice President for Advancement at Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana. She lives in South Bend, Indiana and her beloved family includes her husband and two stepdaughters (and spouses), as well as her parents, siblings and eight nieces and nephews.