Five works of sacred art, created by a Ukrainian refugee, are blessed in the parish of the Holy Redeemer as a symbol of Christian unity and solidarity.
On Saturday, 10 January 2026, the parish of the Most Holy Redeemer in Madrid was the scene of a unique event: the blessing of five biblical panels that will decorate the Chapel of the Way of the Cross. This event was notable not only for its artistic and spiritual value, but also for its ecumenical dimension, with the joint participation of Monsignor Vicente Martín, Auxiliary Bishop of Madrid, and Monsignor Besarión, Orthodox Metropolitan Archbishop of Spain and Portugal of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.
The ceremony, held a week before the start of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, brought together parishioners, neighbours and ecclesiastical authorities, underlining the message of unity, gratitude and hope that these works inspire.
The biblical paintings: art and spirituality
The five panels, measuring 3 x 2.70 metres, depict key scenes from the history of salvation:
1. ‘God said to Noah, “I establish my covenant with you”’ (Genesis 9:8-9).
2. ‘The Lord appeared to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre’ (Genesis 18:1).
3. ‘The angel commanded him, “Do not lay your hand on the boy”’ (Genesis 22:12).
4. ‘Do not come near; take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground’ (Exodus 3:5).
5. “God created all things in Christ” (Colossians 1:16).
These works were created by Andrii Babotenko, a Ukrainian iconographer who is a refugee in Spain, who worked in collaboration with the parish community to capture the theological and artistic richness of the ecclesiastical tradition.
A project of solidarity:
The initiative came from the Redemptorist community and parishioners, who provided the financial resources necessary to support Babotenko and make this project a reality. As parish priest Fr. José Miguel de Haro CSsR pointed out: “The most valuable thing is that it was the parishioners themselves who subsidised this project. We are grateful for how the Church values the relationship between art and catechesis. For me, as a parish priest, it is a great satisfaction to see how art becomes a bridge for transmitting the faith.”
The ceremony: a moment of unity
On the occasion of the celebration, the guests and the icon painter gave a brief interview in which they shared their reflections on the event.
- Andrii Babotenko explained his inspiration:
‘I wanted to convey the ancient iconographic tradition, a language unique to the Church. The panel that moves me the most is that of creation, where Christ appears as Creator and Redeemer. I worked with the parish priest to represent this idea faithfully and profoundly.’
- Monsignor Bessarion highlighted the theological value of icons:
‘An icon is not just art; it is living theology. For the Orthodox, it is an open door to paradise. Every chapel with open-hearted faithful is a reflection of the Church. We look to Christ, our Redeemer, and hope to experience the joy of unity.’
- Monsignor Vicente Martín emphasised the catechetical nature of the works:
‘These panels are like windows that allow us to glimpse the mystery of God. They are a visual catechesis that brings us closer to his love, from the promise to its fulfilment in Christ, the Pantocrator.’
- Fr. Francisco Caballero, CSsR, provincial consultor of the Province of Europe South, reflected on the meaning of redemption:
‘The first panel bears the motto of our Congregation: “Copious redemption.” Human beings are marked by God’s mercy, and we, as Redemptorists, are called to transmit it with our lives.’
An invitation to look and believe
At the end of the presentations, the bishops imparted the solemn blessing on the panels:
“ We ask and beg you to mercifully pour out your blessing on us, on the members of this parish community who have made them possible, and on their author. In your thrice holy name, deign to bless and sanctify these iconic images so that all who look upon them with devotion may obtain mercy, grace and deliverance from all evil, forgiveness of sins, and become worthy of the kingdom of heaven.”
After the blessing ceremony, the participants went to the adjacent parish church to attend Mass presided over by Bishop Martin, who also delivered the homily. The panels will be installed in the Chapel of the Way of the Cross and will be available for prayer and contemplation by parishioners.
GR / Scala News
