Image 1 of 1
Image 1 of 1
Image 1 of 1
Image 1 of 1
Acrylic on wood, 40.5” x 34”
This is one of my most important paintings. I titled it,“The Initiator—St Thecla.”It’s a portrayal of St Thecla, who was born in the 1st Century, and discovered in the Acts of Paul and Thecla. Thecla was a true feminist freedom fighter. She refused to accept the established role of an obedient daughter, and because of that, was brought before the courts of law and sentenced to death. She was beloved by the sisterhood of women, who gathered to defend her, and decry her unjust sentence.
Under miraculous circumstances she survived several attempts to end her life. She was then released and went on to baptize herself. Thecla became a teacher among her people. She lived to the ripe old age of 90. When I meditate on this image, I feel infused with her spirit. I recommend the book, The Girl Who Baptized Herself: How a Lost Scripture About a Saint Named Thecla Reveals the Power of Knowing Our Worth, by Meggan Watterson.
© Sue Ellen Parkinson, 2025.
Acrylic on wood, 40.5” x 34”
This is one of my most important paintings. I titled it,“The Initiator—St Thecla.”It’s a portrayal of St Thecla, who was born in the 1st Century, and discovered in the Acts of Paul and Thecla. Thecla was a true feminist freedom fighter. She refused to accept the established role of an obedient daughter, and because of that, was brought before the courts of law and sentenced to death. She was beloved by the sisterhood of women, who gathered to defend her, and decry her unjust sentence.
Under miraculous circumstances she survived several attempts to end her life. She was then released and went on to baptize herself. Thecla became a teacher among her people. She lived to the ripe old age of 90. When I meditate on this image, I feel infused with her spirit. I recommend the book, The Girl Who Baptized Herself: How a Lost Scripture About a Saint Named Thecla Reveals the Power of Knowing Our Worth, by Meggan Watterson.
© Sue Ellen Parkinson, 2025.