PHOTOS: A Potomac Priest's 'Labor of Love'

It took the vision of an artist and the commitment of a Potomac priest to create a breathtaking transformation—what church elders describe as the "hem of heaven."

The Very Reverend Father George Rados, a priest at Saints Peter and Paul Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church on River Road, collaborated with artist Leonidas Diamantopoulos, who was born and trained in Greece, to create the iconography that now adorns major sections of the walls and ceiling of the church.

“Orthodox churches used iconography as a means of depicting saints and events in the life of Jesus to help the children comprehend—like a children’s storybook,” Rados said.

Celebrating his 50th anniversary in the priesthood this year, Rados added, “Jesus showed himself to us—gives us permission to depict him. Simply drawings of trying to convey religiosity of events.”

Various styles of iconography do exist; the one chosen for Saints Peter and Paul was the Macedonian School of the acclaimed 14th century painter and iconographer, Manuel Panselinos. His frescoes are noted for their luminous colors, spirituality and the grandeur of the compositions, according to Rados.

Though frescoes are no longer done due to their propensity to crack, he said, paintings can be created on sections of canvas and then adhered to a surface such as a wall or ceiling.

Rados pointed to the elaborate scenes of religious figures and said with obvious delight, "You cannot see a seam in there."

In 2005, the church celebrated its 25th anniversary and the consecration of its home on River Road. It was a journey of a "church will travel," according to Rados—from its roots as a parish in downtown D.C. to Montgomery County in 1979, where parishioners were more established.

The church's move to it's home on River Road in 2001 was a "miracle," Rados said. A convergence of timing, goodwill, dedicated parishioners, and perhaps a bit of divine intervention resulted in nearly 6 acres of land at just the right price—a location where the church could continue to grow.

"A miracle is what happened here," he said.

With the , Rados said the church will be offering tours of the latest artistic additions in the sanctuary. He noted that the church's architecture and art have been a decade-long labor of love.

It's apparent from Rados' passionate energy and enthusiasm for his flock that his love and grace extend well beyond the walls and ceilings of such a magnificent edifice.

“I always wanted to be in a profession that helped people—certain intimacy with priesthood and people. Absolutely fulfilling," Rados said.