Alexander Schelechow was born in Bulgaria in 1960. In 1967, he emigrated with his parents to Germany. Eight years later, the family settled in Montreal, Canada. Alexander found his interest and his vocation in the art of iconography by observing and assisting his father, the renowned iconographer Nikolai Schelechow. Under the direction of his father, Alexander completed his first icon at the age of thirteen.
Alexander has worked as a professional Iconographer for more than 30 years. He has completed numerous commissions for churches and individuals from Canada, the United States, Europe, and Australia. He has held lectures on the history and the meaning of icons. He also gives courses on the technical aspects of iconography. In addition, he holds a Bachelor's degree in German and English studies from McGill University and a Master's degree in Russian and Slavic studies from the Université de Montréal.
Alexander has adopted the style of the classical age of Byzantine-Russian iconography. He writes his icons on wood panels covered with a traditional gesso. The background of the icon is gilded with genuine 22-carat gold leaf. As in the classic style of iconography, the images of his icons are stylized and rich in symbolic associations. Most of them are based on classical originals of Russian iconography from the 14th to the 16th century.
Alexander's work can be found in the following churches:
St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral, Montréal, Québec
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St. Peter and St. Paul Russian Orthodox Cathedral, Montréal, Québec
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Russian Orthodox Church of Our Lady of Kazan, Rawdon, Québec
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Church of the Transfiguration, Russian orthodox monastery near Mansonville, Québec
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St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, St-Hubert, Québec
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Protection of the Holy Virgin Memorial Church, Ottawa
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St. Ignatius of Antioch Orthodox Church, St. Catharines, Ontario
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Holy Veil of Holy Mother Russian Orthodox Church, Hamilton, Ontario
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Holy Sudary Church of Christ the Saviour, London, Ontario
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Russian Orthodox Church of All Saints, Calgary, Alberta
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Church of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple, Stratford, Connecticut (U.S.A.)
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St. Gregory the Theologian Church, Wappingers Falls, New York (U.S.A.)
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Russian Orthodox Church of St. Eugenia, Saarbrücken (Germany)
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Byzantine church of St. Nicholas at Niederaltaich Benedictine monastery, Bavaria (Germany)
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Greek Orthodox Church of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, Montréal, Québec