Mr. George Goutsev was born in 1950 in Sofia, Bulgaria, where he continues to reside.  He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts at the National Academy of Fine Arts in Sofia in 1973.  He is an accomplished master iconographer.

From 1992-2001, he relocated with his family to Nicosia, Cyprus.  During that period, after receiving the blessing from the Archbishop of the Republic of Cyprus His Eminence CHRYSOSTOM, he painted the interior of All Saints Greek Orthodox Cathedral.  Upon his return to Bulgaria, Mr. Goutsev undertook private commissions for hand-painted icons.  In 2005, he began to write the icons for a new iconostas, hand-carved by his colleague, Mr. Peter Nedkov, also of Sofia, for Saint Anthony Orthodox Church in San Antonio, Texas.  This exquisite icon screen was dedicated in 2007.  In 2007, Mr. Goutsev painted on canvas, icons for the ceiling of Saint Anthony’s – Pantocrator, Platytera, and Angels.  The parish is now considering continuation of Mr. Goutsev’s work with large icons on the lower portion of the ceiling – Scenes from the Life of Christ.

 In 2008, Mr. Goutsev completed another major project for Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in Willimantic, Connecticut.  The original icon screen panels were retained as George painted new icons that were mounted behind hand-carved frames by Mr. Nedkov.

 Mr. Goutsev prepares his iconography in the traditional, Byzantine style.  He works under the influence of the magnificent mosaics of Ravenna and Istanbul, the icons in Bethlehem, and the murals and icons of the 16^th century Monastery of Stavronikita on Mount Athos.  His works may be viewed at George's website.

 Mr. Goutsev is available for private or church sponsored commissions.  He may be contacted by e-mail at Goutsev@abv.bg.