Holy Icon

"Twelve Disciples before Their Illumination" [or: "For those who love us and those who hate us"], acrylic on canvas, Bishop Maxim, 2024

The Last Supper - A group of disciples embraces the Teacher who offers them life. How did the iconographer achieve an ethos of Harmony and identification of the group for two reasons: the fear of impending martyrdom and the faith in the supernatural transcendence of nothingness? They are all one body, the BODY OF CHRIST. An incorruptible body. And they all experience together, as united in spirit and body through divine communion, the unique moment that split history in two. Artistic secret of the painting: the gazes of the disciples that identify with each other and the stage design of the united bodies, where not even a pin could fall!!!
— Stamatis Skliris

A harmonious gathering of expectant faces and vibrant colors surround Christ depicted against the immense backdrop of a star-pitted night, suggesting the all-encompassing cosmic nature of the event. John the beloved leans upon the Lord’s shoulder. All eyes and faces are turned toward him... except for one who turns in the opposite direction. This is the Eucharistic banquet of an unredeemed humanity. The blood red of the cup and the Holy Altar are of one piece with the red of the Savior’s divine quintessence which will be poured out through his human flesh and blood. The overall harmony of the painting, with its diversity of vibrant colors and faces, gives form to the reality that “Christ is in our midst!” Surrounded by untransformed humanity, “those who love us and those who hate us,” he prepares to pour out his life in order to transform ours. Apart from any commentary, this is a vibrantly beautiful painting of harmony, color, and form. Very appealing.
— Stephen Muse