Arkhangelsk, November 14, 2013
The winner of the contest of prisoners of the region is Sergei Letko. The Icon of the Mother of God "Seven arrows", painted by him, was recognized as the best.
"This icon symbolizes the deep sorrow of the Queen of Heaven that She experienced on the Earth. People usually pray before this icon in order to become more tolerant and merciful," Sergei Letko shared his thoughts.
The icon that became the winner in the regional phase is to leave for Moscow, where in December 2013 the contest will be resumed. The best works will be displayed as a permanent exposition of the exhibition gallery of the Synodal Department for Prison Ministry.
Church, lectern, or domestic icons were approved for participation in the contest. The jury considered the works, sent from all correctional facilities of the regional administration of FSEP. It was not easy to choose the winner: the prisoners had put their heart and soul into their work, reported the press service of the department.
The All-Russian contest, "Not by number, but by humility" is taking place on the initiative of FSEP with the support of the Synodal Department for Prison Ministry as well as the Public Council at FSEP and the Board of Trusties of the Administration of Execution of Punishments. The main task is spreading experience of the penal colonies which have improved morality among the prisoners with the support of the Russian Orthodox Church.
This year the review is devoted to the 700th birth anniversary of St. Sergius of Radonezh.
