"Holy Forerunner", acrylic on canvas, Sarajevo-Kraljevo, Bishop Maxim, 2005-2023

It is one of the mature works of Bishop Maxim, with which he is now listed as one of the important and original Orthodox iconographers. Without imitating any specific School from the old ones, but also without escaping from the real traditional ethos of the icons of the Orthodox Church, he gives us an image that presents all the hagiological characteristics that constitute the Orthodox icon of the Holy Forerunner John. This image can enter the churches, and we can pray to this Preacher of repentance, in the desert of Jordan, to the courageous judge of authority, and at the same time to the Saint who experiences the adventure of man and cares and helps him to overcome temptations walking with difficulty the path of love towards Christ and people. In front of us is a significant portrait that looks at us with a strong eagle’s gaze that prophetically refers to the words that Christ would later address to his disciples: “Take courage; I have overcome the world.”

This image, which we believe will inspire iconographers of the future, is addressed mainly to young people who struggle with spiritual courage against evil and indifference. No less, however, it refers, with the unbeatable strength it emanates, to the future Kingdom, where we will live the overcoming of evil and love one another “in the likeness” of the Christ Archetype throughout the ages.

- Fr Stamatis Skliris