Thank you for visiting Orthodoxy Icons. My name is Katrina Youssef, and I am a Coptic Orthodox Christian with a deep love for our sacred tradition of iconography. I am not a professional iconographer -- I am entirely self‑taught -- however my passion for art and faith has shaped my journey for many years.

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My background in art began long before I discovered iconography. I spent years in advanced art classes, focusing especially on painting, and even taught my own painting class at a nursing home for senior citizens. I have been painting icons as a hobby since high school, nearly 8 years now.

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My desire to explore Orthodox iconography began during a major project in one of my advanced art courses. I chose to focus on our Orthodox faith and submitted my first icon painting for an art competition. I presented it before a panel of judges and received the highest score. That experience awakened something profound in me -- a longing to grow in my faith and deepen my relationship with the Lord.

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Although I had to set painting aside at times to focus on my studies, I could never fully step away. I continued researching the traditions and canons of Coptic Orthodox iconography, studying how icons are properly written, and learning about the lives of the saints -- especially through the Synaxarion read during the Holy Liturgy. Translating their stories into visual theology became a source of joy, reverence, and spiritual growth.

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Today, I continue to learn and deepen my understanding as a student at the St. Athanasius Theological Seminary and serving as a Sunday school servant at my church. My hope is that the icons I create -- though humble and imperfect -- may inspire reflection, devotion, and a sense of connection to the holy lives they depict.

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God bless you!