Aged-Wooden Byzantine Icon of Saints Constantine and Helen.
Saint Constantine was a Roman Emperor, son of Emperor Flavius Valerius Constantius and Saint Helen, who ruled from 306 to 337 AD. With his reforms, he strengthened Christianity and abolished persecutions from the empire.
Inspired and blessed by her son's triumph, Saint Helen traveled to Jerusalem in 326 AD where after excavations she discovered the Holy Cross, part of which she took to Constantinople.
It was established that they are depicted together in icons, hagiographies and constantinata (golden ornaments used as amulets) and they hold the title of Isapostle meaning Equal-to-the-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.
Kontakion
Today, Constantine with his mother Helen present the Cross, the most precious wood. It shames unbelievers. It is a weapon of faithful kings against their adversaries. A great sign has come forth for us which is awesome in battle.
The aging technique is meticulously applied to the Icon by hand and gives it the look of time while the depiction retains its artistic details.
Around the perimeter, the aging becomes more apparent with frayed edges that give the Icon a distinctive appearance.
During the final processing, the Aged-Wooden Icon of Saints Constantine and Helen is polished with a special varnish to withstand time.
Note: The final Icon may slightly differ from the catalog photo.
Feast: May 21
Iconographer: Monk Michael, Mount Athos
Availability: Made to order, usually ships within 5 to 10 days.
