Iconography & Bl. John Brenner - Interview with Oleh Skoropadsky

Ardere

Oleh Skoropadsky is a Byzantine Catholic iconographer from Ukraine. In this interview conducted in September 2024, I learn from him about growing up under Communist persecution, his vocation as an artist ("the Church demands creation"), the tradition of Eastern iconography, Church unity ("breathing with both lungs"), and his beautiful icon of Bl. John Brenner, a Hungarian Cistercian who was martyred in 1957. This icon was commissioned by friends of the monastery and is currently in the chapter room.It was an incredible gift of Providence that Oleh could travel outside Ukraine at this time, when his country is so sadly at war. Let us pray for peace throughout the world. May Christ come to rule all the nations, and to establish his kingdom of justice and love. You can learn more about Bl. John (János) Brenner here: https://abbey.cistercian.org/history/our-saintly-inspiration/fr-anastasius-john-brenner/ You can follow Oleh and see more of his art here:https://cathodox.com/ https://www.etsy.com/shop/Cathodox

About Podcast

There is only one true and lasting energy -- the love of God. Drawing upon the Cistercian tradition, the Ardere Podcast delivers Catholic content designed to enflame the heart with ardent love for God and neighbor. It is inspired by Bl. John Brenner, a Hungarian Cistercian for whom the motto "to be aflame and to enlighten" (ardere et lucere) was a guiding principle until his martyrdom under communism in 1957. His icon is the image for this podcast.