Second Artwork Added to Baptismal Font

Since our new baptismal font was consecrated in May 2021 we have been working on an ongoing project to add small pieces of artwork depicting the Christian Church’s ministry in Word and Sacrament, based on the model of catechetical fonts in mediaeval England.

This month we were pleased to install and bless the second piece of artwork. Moving around the font from the central image depicting the crucifixion of Jesus, the new icon portrays the Baptism of Our Lord. Jesus stands in the Jordan river, flanked by John the Baptiser and two ministering angels. The Holy Spirit descends upon Him in the form of a dove. The Father is represented by His words (in Greek, Ο ΥΙΟΣ ΜΟΥ Ο ΑΓΑΠΗΤΟΣ ), literally: “The Son of Me, the Beloved” or “This is My Beloved Son” (Matt. 3:17). Jesus’ Baptism was understood by the early Church to be the foundation and source of every Christian Baptism. The rich blue colour of the water and green grass symbolise the life that Baptism brings.

The icon is the work of Lutheran artist Avery Prozenko (a member of St Andrew’s Lutheran Church, Halifax, now living in Montreal), whose style is a blend of the Coptic and German Lutheran traditions. We are thankful to the Seminary Guild whose members have provided gifts to fund this ongoing project.