Script: English and Simplified Chinese Publisher: Brotherhood of SS Peter & Paul, Hong Kong Date: February 2010 Format/Pages: Softcover/81 pp ISBN: 9789881889539 Availability: ship from Hong Kong Price: $13.00 USD (88 RMB; 100 HKD)
This bilingual English-Chinese publication includes full color reproductions of icons in St. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church, Hong Kong including Christ Pantocrator icon and the Albazinks Icon of the Theotokos "The Word made Flesh", which appear to the right and left of the Holy Doors of the iconostasis. Reflecting the local character of the parish, the typical Greek or Slavonic inscriptions on the icons also are accompanied by parallel inscriptions in Chinese.
The publication consists of a reprint with minor ammendments of the English original version of "The Icon, History, Symbolism and Meaning" which was first published by Dormition of the Theotokos Monastery in their monastic journal, Winter, 2003 Vol. 16 #2. Now published for the first time with a Chinese translation with the kind blessing of the Abbess of the monastery, Mother Gabriella.
The publication of the Chinese translation has been made possible with the efforts of Mr. Daniel Yeung of Institute of Sino-Christian Studies and the liaison work amongst other endeavors of Prof. Xu Fenglin. We also extend our appreciation to translator Mr. Hou Jianyu and proofreader Ms. Zhang Guina, for their time and energy spent on the text.
This is a recommended reading for those seeking a lot of good information about icons in one book. However, there is some content that is a matter of opinion. For example, the statement that icons are written, not painted, is an opinion, not a fact. In regards to the statement, "The iconographer does not have the right to change an icon just to be different and creative.", iconographer Nikolai Tsai remarks, "But what if the prototype is defective? I bring up the Wedding at Cana icons, where elements are often contrary to the Gospel. In cases like these, I believe the iconographer absolutely has not only a right but a duty to change the icon in order to correct the error."
This Chinese translation has been reviewed and approved by the OFASC Commission on Translation.