In Washington, at the Ukraine House, the exhibition “Spiritual Shield” was presented – a unique exposition of icons painted on armor plates by the Ukrainian icon painter Andriy Okhotsky. The project combines art, spirituality and real stories of war, because some of these armor plates saved the lives of fighters on the front lines.
This was reported by Ukraine House and St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral – Orthodox Church Of Ukraine.
“The symbolism of this exhibition is extremely deep. These icons were once shields on the battlefield. They bear the scars of war, protecting the lives of those who defend the freedom of Ukraine. Today they have become spiritual shields – a reminder that faith and courage together form the strongest protection,” emphasized one of the organizers of the event, Ukrainian public figure and entrepreneur Natalia Yaresko, during the opening.
The exhibition is a joint project of the Kyiv Metropolis of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and the parish of St. Andrew in the USA, with the blessing of Metropolitan Epiphany of Kyiv and All Ukraine. St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, St. Andrew Parish (Bloomingdale, Illinois), Ukraine House and the project curators joined in its organization.
The center of the exhibition are icons painted by Okhotsky on armor plates that the Ukrainian military handed over to the artist after the fighting. Some of them retained traces of bullets or fragments and saved the lives of soldiers. The main photo for the news shows an armor plate from near Kostyantynivka that withstood a hit during the assault.
“The artist took the steel that once protected our soldiers and gave it a new life in the form of holy icons. Now these icons protect the soul,” said Natalia Yaresko.
According to Natalia Yaresko, Andriy Okhotsky created 19 icons in 2022-2023 as part of the ArtArmor charity project. During the opening, the artist personally shared stories about what inspired him to turn these protective plates into sacred images, what drives him in his creativity, and how his works inspire others.
“These icons on the armor are about strength, resilience, courage, and faith in the Ukrainian Warriors,” says Andriy Okhotsky. говорить Андрій Охотський.
The organizers emphasize that each created icon continues to “serve” Ukraine: over the past three years, charity auctions for the sale of Okhotsky’s works have raised over a million hryvnias for the Defense Forces.
The exhibition demonstrates deep symbolism: armor plates that took on enemy fire are transformed into sacred images that carry prayer, memory, and faith in victory.
The exhibition “Spiritual Shield” is open at Ukraine House in Washington and will run until the end of November.
“Throughout history, warriors have sought not only weapons, but also blessings. These icons remind us that victory is never won on the battlefield alone – it is in the spirit of a people who refuse to surrender. They remind us that the strength of Ukraine lies not only in its army, but also in its faith, culture and unwavering belief in freedom. As you explore this exhibition, I invite you to see more than art. See the history of a people who transform suffering into strength,” Yaresko concluded.
Background
Andriy Okhotsky is a contemporary Ukrainian icon painter whose work combines the depth of spiritual tradition with bold contemporary meanings. He was born in 1984 in the historic Kremenets, a city with a rich cultural and religious heritage, which significantly influenced his subsequent artistic path.
In 2004-2010, he studied at the Kyiv Orthodox Theological Academy. It was there that the artist’s spiritual orientations and fundamental knowledge were formed, which determined the nature of his icon painting. Since 2010, Andriy has been working as a professional icon painter, creating both individual works and large-scale monumental works, including the interiors of churches.
One of the author’s most famous works is the icon of Archangel Michael defeating the ancient serpent – an image that personifies the victory of good over evil. This icon has traveled around Europe, finding a response in the hearts of thousands of people during times of trials for Ukraine.
Some of Andriy Okhotsky’s works have played a special diplomatic role. Two of his works were presented by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky to the presidents of Poland and Lithuania, and another was presented to the US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken.
Photo: Ukraine House
Author: Inna Mikhno