Int Decoration Program
About
The program to beautify the interior of Saint George was started in 1983. It was finally finished in 1998, just prior to the consecration of the church.
The beautiful mosaic Iconography created distinguishes Saint George Church by artist Sino Tonelli of Chicago. Dominating the Nave is the 25-foot dome, which is completely covered by the mosaic of the Pantocrator, the enthroned Christ. Six icons representing the two Archangels Gabriel and Michael are on the East and West doors of the Iconostasion: Saint George, Saint John the Baptist, the Virgin Mary with Christ, and Christ; the Virgin Mary with the Christ Child and two angels on either side of the Platytera provide a magnificent backdrop for the marble altar. The pulpit, the chanter's stand and the Bishop's Throne are on the solea. Permenant pews seating nearly 350 worshippers occupy the Nave. Marble candle and icon stands are located in the narthex.
The beauty of the altar is enhanced by the Holy Cross dominating the mosaic background scene. Rays of different shades of blue radiate from 4he Cross, giving a feeling of spiritual oneness with eternity. The Holy Cross is made of wood with three brass nails at each point. A mosaic of the Crucified Christ is hung on the wooden cross; both the Cross and the mosaic of Christ are taken down during the Holy Thursday service and remain in the Altar area for forty days. The cavity reveals a brass cross that serves as a reminder of the Divine Sacrifice.
In 1997 and 1998, the final mosaics were placed in the altar area -- the Nativity, the Table of Oblation, and the icons of Saint John Chrysostom and Saint Basil the Great. The altar and solea floor are finished in marble and the double-headed eagle of Byzantium was placed on the solea floor forward of The Royal Gates. To the right and left of the Altar area, the two mosaics of the Resuffection and the Annunciation face outward to the Nave.
In the narthex area on opposite walls hang the two mosaics of Jesus and the Children, and Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. In addition, the wheat and vine symbols appearing in the Royal Gates were placed on the heavy sculptured doors that serve as the entry into the church. At the exterior outside approach to our complex was placed an icon of Saint George and the Dragon in the circular island identifying the name of the parish.