Today I had the chance to meet a man whose life carries a whole journey of faith, art and culture. The iconographer Chrysostomos Mbenga, born in Congo and living in Thessaloniki for many years, is not simply an icon painter. He is an artist who brings together two worlds. His African roots and the Byzantine tradition that shaped his artistic identity.

For the iconographer, sacred painting is not just art. It is a spiritual practice and a form of prayer expressed through colour, light and devotion.

A Journey that Began on Mount Athos

The journey of the iconographer Chrysostomos Mbenga began on Mount Athos, the spiritual centre of Orthodox Christianity. There he studied Byzantine iconography, calligraphy and Byzantine music.

In the quiet atmosphere of the monasteries and surrounded by centuries of tradition, the iconographer learned to see the icon not simply as an artwork but as a sacred act. From those years onward, his life has been connected to pigments, sacred chant and the golden light that characterises Byzantine iconography.

Thessaloniki: His Second Home

Thessaloniki eventually became the second home of the iconographer Chrysostomos Mbenga. At the same time as developing his artistic work, he studied medicine at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki between 1998 and 2004.

Even during his scientific studies, art and music remained central in his life. The iconographer taught Byzantine iconography and Byzantine music, while also serving as a protopsaltis, or lead chanter, in churches across the city for nearly two decades.

He also created choirs that brought people together through voice, tradition and faith.

The Work of the Iconographer Around the World

The artistic work of the iconographer soon travelled far beyond the borders of Greece. His icons can now be found in churches and Orthodox communities around the world.

Among the churches where Chrysostomos Mbenga has created iconographic works are:

• The Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos in Melbourne, Australia
• The Monastic Church of Saint Anastasia the Roman in Rethymno, Crete
• The Church of Saint Akylina in Zagliveri
• The Church of Saint Demetrios in Draviskos of Zichni
• The Monastic Church of Panagia Gorgoepikoos in Thessaloniki

His work has also reached Orthodox communities in Australia, Italy, Ivory Coast, Congo, the Metropolis of Kinshasa and the Metropolis of Western Tanzania in Bukoba.

Through these projects, the iconographer continues to bring the Byzantine artistic tradition to new audiences across continents.

The Artistic Sensitivity

Every icon created by Chrysostomos Mbenga carries a particular sensitivity. The figures express calmness and spiritual depth. The colours bring warmth and harmony to the compositions.

Each work reflects a careful balance between classical Byzantine tradition and the personal artistic voice of the iconographer. His icons feel alive, as if the tradition itself is breathing again through his work.

A Life Dedicated to Faith and Tradition

Alongside his artistic activity, the iconographer has also devoted much of his life to teaching and serving the Orthodox liturgical tradition.

From 1998 to 2004 he collaborated with the Monastery of Saint Gregory on Mount Athos and the iconography workshop “Three Children” founded by the Christodoulou brothers.

Between 2000 and 2016 he taught Byzantine iconography, and from 2012 to 2016 he also taught Byzantine music. Through his teaching he passed on his knowledge and love for tradition to younger generations.

In 2013 he founded and directed the choir “Saint Raphael” at the Church of Saint Paul in the Metropolis of Nea Krini and Kalamaria, where he also served as protopsaltis.

His musical service continued in churches across Halkidiki between 2016 and 2021. Since 2021 he has served at the Patriarchal Metochion of Vlatades, at the historic Church of Saint Nicholas Orphanos in Thessaloniki.

The Iconographer Connecting Cultures

Meeting Chrysostomos Mbenga leaves a strong impression not only because of his remarkable biography but also because of his humility and authenticity.

He speaks about his art with modesty, about faith with clarity and about his homeland with a deep tenderness.

The iconographer is not limited by borders. He carries two homelands within him and unites them through sacred images painted with colours that seem to shine from within.

The Iconographer Today

Today Chrysostomos Mbenga lives and works in Thessaloniki, continuing to dedicate himself to the art of iconography.

Through colour, chant and faith, the iconographer continues to build bridges between tradition and the modern world, leaving a bright mark wherever his work appears.

Contact
Email: chrysmbenga@gmail.com
Instagram: artistmbenga5

Read the original article on thermaiko.eu.

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