To date, there is no comprehensive and definitive list of the works created by the Russian Old Believer iconographer, Pimen M. Sofronov (1898-1973). After immigrating to the United States in 1947, he created frescoes and icons for numerous churches and individuals, and taught iconography in various places.
*Note that the names of churches in America below are linked to current websites.
“A Brief Biography” is provided in a program for Sofronov’s “Exhibition of Icons” sponsored by The Russian Orthodox Icon Society at the Russian Orthodox Cathedral in San Francisco, California, March 5-21, 1966.
Born 1898.
Began to study iconography 1910.
Taught courses in icon painting:
- Riga, 1930
- Paris, 1933 (10 months)
- Prague, Czechoslovakia, 1934 (3 months)
- Belgrade, Yugoslavia, 1935-38
1939, went to Italy, where, at the request of the Vatican, he painted 56 icons for the projected World Exhibition of Religious Art.
1941, held exhibition of his iconographic work in Rome.
1947, came to America at the invitation of Russian Orthodox Archbp. Vitaly of N. Y. to paint icons in various churches.
1953-55, painted walls of Sts. Peter & Paul Church, Syracuse, N. Y.
1955-57, painted walls and iconostas of St. Vladimir Church, Trenton, N. J.
1958-60, painted walls in Holy Trinity Church in Brooklyn, N. Y.
1960, became American citizen.
1961, celebrated 50th anniversary jubilee of icon painting.
1960-62, painted frescoes and icons on iconostas in Three Hierarchs Church in Ansonia, Conn.
1965, came to San Francisco at invitation of Russian Orthodox Icon Society to teach courses in icon painting.
