Handmade Byzantine Icon of Saint Irene, the Great Martyr.
Originally named Penelope, Saint Irene was the daughter of Prince Licinius, who secluded her in a tower when she was six years old. She embraced Christianity and was secretly baptized by Priest Timotheus, taking the name Irene.
When Licinius learned of her new faith commanded that she be trampled underfoot by horses. However, miraculously, the horse charged Licinius, mortally wounding him.
Saint Irene approached and prayed deeply that her father would be resurrected, as he was. Saint Irene traveled to many places, courageously declaring her faith and found herself in the hands of idolaters from whom she suffered terrible tortures. With her teacher, Apellian, she settled in Ephesus in Asia Minor where she worked miracles and did great charity work.
She died in 315 AD.
Apolytikion
O Lord Jesus, unto Thee Thy lamb doth cry with a great voice: O my Bridegroom, Thee I love; and seeking Thee, I now contest, and with Thy baptism am crucified and buried. I suffer for Thy sake, that I may reign with Thee; for Thy sake I die, that I may live in Thee: accept me offered out of longing to Thee as a spotless sacrifice. Lord, save our souls through her intercessions, since Thou art great in mercy.
The Icon of Saint Irene 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: May 5
Iconographer: Sieppes Bros.
Availability: Made to order, usually ships within 5 to 10 days.
