SOLD OUT Annual Kent dur Russell Lecture with Sir Richard Temple
Born of the Virgin Mary, a Study in Esoteric Christianity
This event is sold out.
Members and invited guests
In his lecture, Sir Richard Temple examines the celestial status of the Virgin Mary, tracing her spiritual journey from earthly life to a transcendent existence in Eternity. He situates Mary within a broader historical context, noting that the concept of a “Virgin Queen of Heaven” predates Christianity and can be seen in various goddess traditions. Many of these earlier feminine attributes have been absorbed into Marian imagery over time. The Byzantine epithet Theotokos, meaning “Bearer of God,” evokes profound mysteries beyond ordinary understanding. These ideas are expressed through the rich symbolism found in icons and supported by references to apocryphal writings. In Orthodox sacred art, Mary is portrayed not only as a central figure in tradition but also as a model of contemplative prayer and spiritual ascent, embodying the highest levels of realization and enlightenment.
Sir Richard Temple, Bt., PhD, founder of the Temple Gallery (est. 1959), is internationally recognized as a leading authority on icons. He has placed works in major institutions including the British Museum, the Louvre, and the Menil Collection. His books include Icons and the Mystical Origins of Christianity and ICONS: Divine Beauty. Described by renowned Byzantinist Kurt Weitzmann as “the foremost dealer in icons,” Temple continues to shape the field through scholarship, connoisseurship, and curation.
FREE Admission for Members and Invited Guests – Register early, space is limited! Please make sure to RSVP by Friday, June 13.
Special thanks to Edward Russell for his support of the Annual Kent dur Russell Lecture.
Born of the Virgin Mary, a Study in Esoteric Christianity
This event is sold out.
Members and invited guests
In his lecture, Sir Richard Temple examines the celestial status of the Virgin Mary, tracing her spiritual journey from earthly life to a transcendent existence in Eternity. He situates Mary within a broader historical context, noting that the concept of a “Virgin Queen of Heaven” predates Christianity and can be seen in various goddess traditions. Many of these earlier feminine attributes have been absorbed into Marian imagery over time. The Byzantine epithet Theotokos, meaning “Bearer of God,” evokes profound mysteries beyond ordinary understanding. These ideas are expressed through the rich symbolism found in icons and supported by references to apocryphal writings. In Orthodox sacred art, Mary is portrayed not only as a central figure in tradition but also as a model of contemplative prayer and spiritual ascent, embodying the highest levels of realization and enlightenment.
Sir Richard Temple, Bt., PhD, founder of the Temple Gallery (est. 1959), is internationally recognized as a leading authority on icons. He has placed works in major institutions including the British Museum, the Louvre, and the Menil Collection. His books include Icons and the Mystical Origins of Christianity and ICONS: Divine Beauty. Described by renowned Byzantinist Kurt Weitzmann as “the foremost dealer in icons,” Temple continues to shape the field through scholarship, connoisseurship, and curation.
FREE Admission for Members and Invited Guests – Register early, space is limited! Please make sure to RSVP by Friday, June 13.
Special thanks to Edward Russell for his support of the Annual Kent dur Russell Lecture.