ECVA - Jack Pachuta - Sacrament and Image

Eucharist

Artist Statement: I composed this painting of "The Last Supper" in 2020. I put in a host instead of a loaf of bread and a radiating cup of wine. People asked me which Apostle was Judas. He’s the one in the upper right corner with the fading halo, I said. The gospels say Judas was present for the Passover meal but it’s not clear if he left before the distribution of the Eucharist. Many believe Jesus offered it to him. Many believe his suicide was not despair but a sign of his repentance.

Bio: Jack Pachuta is a contemporary iconographer, whose work is inspired by Byzantine icons, romanesque frescoes and medieval bible illuminations. These icons are displayed in catholic, protestant, orthodox and byzantine rite churches. He is especially honored to have them in the Missionaries of Charity Motherhouse in Calcutta, the Curia Generalizia del Marianisti in Rome, St. Nicholas Church in Amsterdam, St. Lukes Anglican Church in Ontario, Amigos de Jesus Orphanage in Honduras and the Healing Garden Shrine at St. Augustine Church in Philadelphia, plus seminaries in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Thousands of prayer cards made from his icons have been distributed nationwide through prison ministry organizations and organizations defending falsely accused priests. Jack is also a folk artist, printmaker and international award winning photographer. Currently he is interested in Miksang contemplative photography. (Check fineartamerica.com/art/jack+pachuta to see more of his work.)