The plight of refugees in Ukraine has been much on my mind as we begin the New Year. The Holy Family also had to take to the road as refugees in a grim postlude to the Christmas story, when an angel warned Joseph in a dream to flee with Mary and the Baby Jesus to Egypt and escape the wrath of King Herod. In the weeks leading up to Lent, I'll present new works from the Sacred Art Pilgrim Collection depicting the Flight into Egypt, beginning this week with an acrylic on wood panel icon from Cypriot Artist Charalambos Epaminonda. The donkey looking out at us seems more confident of the way than Joseph, who turns his head as if seeking directions from the guardian angel urging the Holy Family onward. A lone traveler balancing a bundle on his shoulder represents countless millions of refugees throughout history seeking a new life far from their homes. This new icon joins other paintings from Epaminonda's series on the Life of Christ in the gallery of his biosketch page in the Sacred Artists section. Pray for Peace in Ukraine! (John Kohan)