Handmade Byzantine Icon of Saint Athanasius of Mount Athos.
Saint Athanasius of Mount Athos was born in 930 AD in Asia Minor. He was orphaned in infancy and raised by a nun, who taught him the teachings of Christianity. He continued his education in Constantinople, but his love for Jesus Christ prompted him to retire to Kyminas Monastery, where he became a monk. There, he gave up the name Abraham, given to him by his mother, and was named Athanasius.
When his fame began to spread, Saint Athanasius fled to Mount Athos, where he lied about his name being Barnabas, so as not to be recognized. However, Nikiforos Phokas, who knew him personally, tracked him down and sent him money, in order to build a monastery, which he did.
In 963, Saint Athanasius founded the Monastery of Great Lavra, which inaugurated the monastic life on Mount Athos. The community attracted many monks, who combined the humble life with prayer and work.
Saint Athanasius died about 40 years after the construction of the Monastery. Since then, he is considered the founder of monastic life on Mount Athos.
Kontakion of Saint Athanasius of Mount Athos
Taking the yoke of Christ upon yourself, / you bore your cross on your shoulders, O Athanasios; / you became a most virtuous imitator of His sufferings, / and a sharer of His glory, partaking of endless joy.
The Icon of Saint Athanasius of Mount Athos is an exact copy of Byzantine art and is created by experienced craftsmen using the method of gold printing where hagiographic leaves of 22 karat gold are applied in detail to decorate the background.
During the final processing, the icon is painted with dark red color around the perimeter and polished with a special varnish to maintain its shine.
It is offered in level or recessed wooden surface and is suitable for wall mounting.
Feast: July 5
Iconographer: Monk Michael, Mount Athos
Availability: Made to order, usually ships within 5 to 10 days.
