Photo: Local church installs series of icons

Rev. John Juno Song, pastor at the Watsonville First United Methodist Church, shows off one of ten new “icons” recently installed in the church’s sanctuary. Icons are traditionally Eastern Orthodox works of art placed into churches through a dedication ceremony. Song said he has been attracted to the tradition of icons his entire career, and wanted to bring them into his own worship space. He hand selected all ten icons, two of which are more modern paintings by artist Christopher Santer. “I hope these icons will transform our sanctuary into a sacred space,” Song said, “and allow my congregation and visitors to look closer at their spirituality and the history of our faith.”