The Painting of Magic & Mystery

Sergei Yevtushenko, a young man from Belarus, is travelling through his home country after years of war and strife. He has heard stories of a much different, much grander Belarus, and has come seeking the truth for himself. As he journeys, he notices a monastery tucked away in the woods, secluded and forgotten by the world. Picking his way through the dense foliage surrounding the place, Sergei comes to a gate and gradually crosses the threshold, entering walls of unimaginable beauty and peace. It is here that he encounters a kindly old monk named Dimitri, who soon takes a liking to Yevtushenko. Dimitri has noticed the young man's deep appreciation for art and beauty and so he shares with Sergei the monastery’s astounding secret—a painting that some claim to impart wisdom, thought, and answers to those who believe in it.

I

Drawn by the mystery of the painting, Yevtushenko embarks on a journey to discover its truth for himself. As he travels, he meets an array of different people from places unknown — all with backgrounds from different religions. There's a young Muslim girl from Iraq searching for answers to the war ravaging her home country, and a Buddhist monk from Thailand looking for a way to spread peace despite his country's diminishing economy. Through his experiences with them, Yevtushenko comes to understand the power of faith and the need for its strength in troubled times. Though it can be easy to become overwhelmed by all the different cultures and beliefs, Yevtushenko also comes to recognize the importance of understanding and acceptance. In a story full of humor and rich with dialogue and powerful imagery, Yevtushenko will ultimately come face-to-face with the painting and its secrets.

II

Yevtushenko's journey leads him ever closer to the painting, only to find the strength of his faith in it waning. Questions start to fill his mind Is the painting really capable of providing answers, or is this all a mere fantasy of his own imagination? At the same time, he begins to find himself increasingly drawn to the painting’s awe-inspiring beauty and time-transcending depth. It is at this point of indecision, when Yevtushenko’s faith in the painting waxes and wanes, that he must make the most important decision of his journey—does he put his faith in the painting and all it could represent or does he turn his back on it and return home?

V

Yevtushenko ultimately resolves to put his trust in the painting and in doing so forces a powerful magic from within it to come alive. Through this miracle and the unwavering faith of Yevtushenko and all the other travelers who have visited the painting along the way, a new impetus of energy is suddenly sent vibrating through the universe, swirling and shifting the near future of Belarus in mysterious and wonderful ways. In a feature of crescendo, the story culminates in a finale of cradling magic, a captivating paint landscape, and a newfound hope. Furthermore, the painting and the monastery become a beacon of beauty and faith, opening its doors to all who pass by and inviting them to marvel in its magic and sense of place, long after the story has come to a close.