Bless Those, O Lord, Who Love the Beauty of Thy House
TLAA 2024 * August 18 - 24
Iconography Academy is currently full. Applicants will be added to the waitlist.
Praise the Lord!
The Liturgical Arts Academy trains those who want to learn Byzantine chant or iconography in the tradition of the Orthodox Christian Church. The Academy is a one-week intensive program in late August led by expert teachers. Registration fees are reduced through grants and donations from those who support the Liturgical Arts. This year we have received a matching grant from The Renaissance Fund.
One is Holy, One is Lord. More than just a classroom, TLAA offers a comprehensive atmosphere of prayer, study, fellowship, and communion with other faithful servants who care deeply for the the Church and the worship of the Holy Trinity.
The Diakonia Retreat Center in the foothills of South Carolina is the perfect setting for spiritual renewal, as we overlook the lake, walk the paths and worship in the magnificent Panagia Chapel.
Who We Are
…and how God led us here. Find out about our mission and the dedicated group of people who make this program happen.
Byzantine Chant & Iconography
TLAA offers Academies in Chant and Iconography. Attendees receive 5-6 hours of daily instruction in their separate disciplines, and join together as a group for matins, vespers, meals, and evening programs.
Chant Academy 2024 is offering Intermediate, Advanced and Master Class levels. This year our instructors are John Michael Boyer, Samuel Herron and Photini Downie Robinson.
Click below for detailed information. Visit the Menu items under “More Info” for registration, lodging, travel and FAQs.
Quality of the Academy
The Byzantine Chant Academy has been taught by 3 highly respected and accomplished Protopsaltis, John Michael Boyer, Samuel Herron, Gabriel Cremeens, and Photini Downie Robinson. Students have up to 6 hours of classroom instruction daily plus chant the daily services such as Matins, Vespers, Compline, Agiasmos, Divine Liturgy and Vigil.
The Byzantine Iconography is taught by Fr. Anthony Salzman who is known for his patience and skill for teaching how to paint well. Students improve in their artistic use and understanding of color, form and line according to the Byzantine technique.
Chanters and Iconographers build relationships with other artists, learning from each other as well as the instructors. This community extends beyond the workshop, providing a resource for continued learning and fellowship and faith.
What People Are Saying
I really enjoyed meeting so many new people and getting many opportunities to talk throughout the week. Like I said before, I really enjoyed being able to participate in so many different types of services, especially being able to chant in different sizes and configurations of choirs. I really enjoyed chanting in the all-women’s choir. I would have liked to do that for maybe one more service.
—2023 Student
“I was blessed to spend a week at The Liturgical Arts Academy learning Byzantine Chant, along with 6 of my fellow parishioners. It was an amazing and inspirational group to be with in class, fellowship and daily worship.”
— I.V. from North Carolina
I loved the fellowship and welcoming atmosphere. The services were beautiful.