Saint Gregory of Nyssa Episcopal Church

The Dancing Saints icon is a monumental, surprising and powerful statement of faith for the ages, created by iconographer Mark Dukes with the people of Saint Gregory’s. Completed in 2009, it is a 3,000 square foot painting wrapping around the entire church rotunda, showing ninety larger-than life saints; four animals; stars, moons, suns and a twelve-foot dancing Christ.

The saints—ranging from traditional figures like King David, Teresa of Avila and Frances of Assisi to unorthodox and non-Christian people like Malcolm X, Anne Frank, and Margaret Mead—represent musicians, artists, mathematicians, martyrs, scholars, mystics, lovers, prophets and sinners from all times, from many faiths and backgrounds. For a complete list of all the saints, and to read about their lives, click here.

As the congregation dances around the altar, the saints dance above, proclaiming a sweeping, universal vision of God shining through human life.