A modern-day icon depicting the story of Jesus meeting the Samaritan Woman at the Well is on display at Brecon Cathedral.

The icon went on display yesterday (Wednesday) and will be available to view for two weeks.

Icons (from the Greek for image or resemblance) have been used throughout history as a way to engage with a Bible story and provide a focus for reflection, stillness and prayer.

While they have a deep significance for religious communities, their beauty and the skill involved in their creation can be appreciated by all.

This particular icon was painted by John Coleman (otherwise known as Ikonjohn) in 2018 and is on loan from The Retreat Association. It has been the focus for quiet days, conferences, and icon painting workshops and has been on display at no less than 25 retreat centres as well as numerous cathedrals, churches and educational establishments across the UK.

Icons are most commonly painted on wood panels with egg tempera, but they may also be cast in metal or carved in stone, embroidered on cloth or done in mosaic or fresco work.

It took nearly a year to complete this work and, before his death in 2021, Ikonjohn said he hoped the icon would touch all who encountered it.

Information leaflets will be available at the cathedral and you can read more about the icon and its creation online here.