The Life and Times of B. John Zavrel: A Bridge Between
Worlds
Introduction:
The Renaissance Ideal in a Modern Era
In an age characterized by hyper-specialization, B. John
Zavrel stands as a rare exemplar of the "Renaissance Man." To look at
his life is to see a tapestry woven from seemingly disparate
threads: the rigorous precision of a Certified Public Accountant, the formal
grace of a diplomat, the aesthetic passion of an art museum director, and the
contemplative depth of a Sanskrit scholar.
Born in Czechoslovakia and finding his home in the United
States, Zavrel has spent the better part of five decades acting as a cultural
conduit. His work has not merely been about the preservation of artifacts,
but about the preservation of a specific European intellectual and
artistic tradition—one that values the "Image of Man" and seeks a
harmonious balance between the physical and the spiritual. From the small
village of Gurein (Kuřim) to the corridors of power in Washington D.C. and the
spiritual retreats of the Himalayas, Zavrel’s journey is a testament to the
power of individual engagement in the pursuit of global cooperation.
Chapter
1: Moravian Roots and the Bohemian Legacy
To understand B. John Zavrel, one must first look to the
soil of Moravia. Born on August 2, 1949, in Kuřim (then part of
Czechoslovakia), he was the son of Bohuslav Zavrel and Radoslava Holubik. His
lineage is deeply rooted in the historical and spiritual traditions of Central
Europe.
His
ancestors were members of the Unitas Fratrum—the
Bohemian Brethren (known in the United States as the Moravian Brethren). This
group, founded in the 15th century, was a precursor to the Protestant
Reformation and was characterized by a commitment to simplicity, community, and
the teachings of Jan Hus. Specifically, Zavrel’s family was associated with the
settlement of Zinsendorf, linked to the famous Count Nicholas Ludwig von
Zinzendorf, the 18th-century social reformer and bishop of the Moravian Church.
This heritage is significant because it imbues Zavrel’s
life with a sense of historical continuity and moral purpose. The Moravian
Brethren were known for their missionary work and their emphasis on education
and the arts. These themes—international outreach, the pursuit of knowledge,
and the elevation of the human spirit—would become the hallmarks of Zavrel’s
own career.
His early education took place at the John Amos Comenius
School in Kuřim, named after the "Father of Modern Education" and a
prominent member of the Bohemian Brethren. He later attended the Economic
School of Foreign Trade in Brno from 1964 to 1968, where he gained
the foundational skills in business and international relations that would
later serve his diplomatic and professional life.
Chapter
2: The American Transition and the Pursuit of Excellence
The year 1969 was a turning point for Zavrel, as it was for
his home country. Following the suppression of the Prague Spring by Soviet-led
forces in 1968, many young Czechs sought freedom in the West. Zavrel arrived in
the United States in 1969, a move that would ultimately lead to his U.S.
citizenship in 1975.
His transition to American life was marked by academic
vigor. He enrolled at the University at Buffalo (UB), where he earned a
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Finance (1969–1972). Not
content with a single degree, he continued his studies at Millard Fillmore
College, earning a B.S. in Accounting (1973–1974). This dual focus on finance
and accounting provided the technical expertise that allowed him to establish a
successful career in the private sector.
In 1972, he married Sandra McCracken, with whom he raised
three sons: Wesley John, Christopher Scott, and Thomas William. This personal
stability allowed him to build the firm Zavrel & O'Donnell, P.C. in
Clarence, New York. Specializing in audits for health care, construction, and
low-income housing, Zavrel’s professional life was grounded in the
practicalities of American industry, yet he never lost sight of his cultural
roots.
His brother Radoslav "Ray" Zavrel, who
escaped after him from the then-communist Czechoslovakia at the age of 18 in
1970, dedicated his life to the ideals of freedom and democracy,
had served in the United States Armed Forces and as a civilian with the U.S.
Department of Defense, worldwide. He concluded his 35-year career as a
decorated official in Washington, D.C. To the date, he champions freedom,
justice, and human rights in the U.S. and Europe.
Chapter
3: The Museum of European Art and the Classical Aesthetic
Perhaps Zavrel’s most enduring legacy is the founding of
the Museum of European Art (MEAUS) in Clarence, New York. The museum was born
out of a desire to create a "Himalayas of Art" in the United States—a
place where the classical European tradition could be celebrated and preserved.
The museum’s mission is deeply tied to the "Image of
Man." In a 20th-century art world dominated by abstraction and
deconstruction, Zavrel championed the return to the figurative and the
beautiful. He believed that art should elevate the human spirit rather than
degrade it.
Central
to the museum’s collection and history is Zavrel’s relationship with the
legendary (and controversial) German sculptor Arno Breker. Zavrel
became one of Breker’s most prominent biographers and advocates in the
English-speaking world. In books such as Arno Breker: His Art and Life and Arno Breker: Divine Beauty in Art, Zavrel sought to decouple
Breker’s immense talent and classical mastery from the political shadows of the
Third Reich. He viewed Breker as the "Michelangelo of the 20th
Century," an artist whose work embodied the timeless ideals of Greek and
Roman antiquity.
Through the museum, Zavrel also fostered connections with
other titans of European art, including:
The Museum of European Art became more than just a gallery;
it became a cultural hub. The "Sculpture Garden of Alexander the
Great," established by Zavrel, serves as a physical manifestation of his
interest in historical greatness and the heroic ideal.
Chapter
4: Diplomacy and the Honorary Consulate
In
recognition of his deep ties to his homeland and his standing in the American
community, B. John Zavrel was appointed the Honorary Consul of the Czech
Republic. This role allowed him to serve as a bridge between the
land of his birth and the land of his adoption.
As Consul, Zavrel has been instrumental in normalizing and
strengthening relations between the Czech Republic and the United States,
particularly in the post-Cold War era. He was a vocal supporter of the
enlargement of NATO, viewing it as a "road to liberty, peace, and the
quiet miracle of a normal life" for the nations of Central Europe.
His
diplomatic work extended beyond official government duties. He used his
platform to promote Czech culture, opera (supporting Janáček’s Jenůfa in Toronto), and business. He hosted
numerous events for the Czech community and welcomed figures like Václav Havel,
the playwright-president who led the Velvet Revolution. Zavrel’s article,
"Václav Havel: A Word About Words," reflects his deep respect for the
power of language and intellectual honesty in the political sphere.
Chapter
5: The Ecological Eagle and Global Statesmanship
Zavrel’s
influence also reached into the realm of environmentalism and international
awards. As Chairman of the International Committee "Artists for
Ecology," he spearheaded the Ecological Eagle Award.
This award was presented to some of the most influential
figures of the late 20th century, recognizing their contributions to the
preservation of the Earth. Recipients included:
By presenting these awards, Zavrel leveraged the world of
art and culture to engage with environmental policy and global leadership. His
personal philosophy—"We are all people of this, one Earth... the place to
start is within one's self"—was reflected in these high-level
interactions. He believed that even the most powerful leaders must be reminded
of their responsibility to future generations.
Chapter
6: The Alexander Order and Historical Continuity
Zavrel
serves as the Chancellor of the Order of Alexander the Great
for Art and Science. This international organization seeks to honor
those who have made significant contributions to the betterment of humanity in
the spirit of the ancient Macedonian king.
The Order is not merely a historical society; it is a
living institution that promotes the "Alexander Ideal"—the synthesis
of Western and Eastern cultures, the pursuit of scientific knowledge, and the
patronage of the arts. Under Zavrel’s leadership, the Order has honored writers
like Roger Peyrefitte, scientists like Wilson Greatbatch (inventor of the
pacemaker), and countless artists.
Zavrel’s fascination with Alexander the Great is evident in
his many writings, such as "Lend Me Your Name, Alexander!" and
"The Last Days of Alexander the Great." He sees in Alexander a
prototype for the global citizen—one who transcends borders to create a unified
civilization.
Chapter
7: Spiritual Journeys: Sanskrit and the Himalayas
One of the most profound aspects of B. John Zavrel’s life
is his deep engagement with Indian philosophy and the Himalayan yoga tradition.
In the mid-1990s, he undertook graduate studies in Sanskrit at the University
at Buffalo. This was not a mere academic exercise but a spiritual quest.
Zavrel
became a close associate and disciple of Swami Rama of the Himalayas,
one of the most influential yogis of the 20th century. Following Swami Rama’s
passing, Zavrel continued his work with Swami Veda Bharati (formerly
Dr. Usharbudh Arya).
He
served as the President of the Rishikesh Foundation,
which supported spiritual and educational initiatives
in India. His writings on this subject—such as "The Secret Connections
between Christianity, Hinduism and Islam" and "A Beloved Teacher
Returns: Swami Veda Bharati"—seek to find the common ground between the
world’s great religious traditions.
Zavrel’s interest in yoga and Sanskrit reflects his belief
in the necessity of internal peace as a prerequisite for external peace. His
study of the ancient texts provided him with a philosophical framework that
balances the material success of the West with the spiritual depth of the East.
Chapter
8: The Prolific Pen: Journalism and Publication
Throughout
his career, Zavrel has been a tireless writer and editor. He is a member of the
Editorial Board of Prometheus, an
internet magazine for art, politics, and science. His bibliography includes
hundreds of articles covering an astonishing range of topics:
His writing style is characterized by a blend of reportage
and philosophical reflection. He often uses contemporary events as a
springboard to discuss timeless values. For instance, in his coverage of the
Olympic Games, he focuses on the "Sacred Flame" and the Greek origins
of the competition, rather than just the scores and medals.
Chapter
9: Legacy and the Path Forward
B. John Zavrel’s life is far from over, yet his legacy is
already firmly established. He has created institutions—a museum, a foundation,
a diplomatic office—that will continue to influence cultural life for years to
come.
His "Statement of Personal Philosophy" remains
the guiding light of his work:
"We
are all people of this, one Earth. Through individual engagement we can
overcome our differences and make positive contributions for peaceful
cooperation among all people. We have a responsibility to preserve the
Earth for the future generations; and the place to start is within
one's self: with our own thoughts, words, and deeds."
Conclusion
In the person of B. John Zavrel, we find a bridge. He is a
bridge between the old Europe of the Moravian Brethren and the new America of
the 21st century. He is a bridge between the rigorous world of finance and the
ethereal world of art. Most importantly, he is a bridge between the individual
and the global community.
By dedicating his life to the "Image of Man"—in
sculpture, in diplomacy, and in spirit—he has provided a roadmap for how one
can live a life of depth, service, and beauty. Whether he is auditing a
company’s books, welcoming a foreign dignitary, or studying a Sanskrit verse,
Zavrel remains a man of the world who never forgets the sacredness of the
individual soul
Key
Accomplishments Summary:
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