Handmade Byzantine Icon of Saint Helen.
Saint Helen was the mother of Constantine the Great and came from the city of Drepano in Bithynia in Asia Minor. In 326 AD traveled to Jerusalem where after excavations she discovered the Holy Cross, part of which she took to Constantinople.
Many temples were built with her valuable contribution, such as the Temple of the Holy Cross in Rome, the Temple of the Holy Apostles in Constantinople, the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem and the Basilica of Agony on the Mount of Olives.
When Constantine the Great or Saint Constantine became the first Christian king, a depiction of him together with his mother Saint Helen was established in icons, hagiographies and constantinata (gold coins used as amulets).
About 327 AD Saint Helen died and her remains were transferred by Saint Constantine to Constantinople to the Church of the Holy Apostles.
Apolytikion
He beheld the image of Your Cross in the Heavens and, as Paul, he too did not receive the call from men. Your Apostle among Kings placed the care of the Royal City in Your hands. Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, O only Loving Lord, keep it ever in peace.
The Icon of Saint Helen 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 21
Iconographer: Nun Markella, Holy Monastery of The Annunciation, Patmos
Availability: Made to order, usually ships within 5 to 10 days.
