The Story Behind This Icon:
Saint John was born in 1690 in southern Russia, to a poor Orthodox Christian family. He was drafted to the army during the Russo-Turkish war and was taken prisoner, ending up as a slave in Turkey. Saint John was abused and tortured for his faith in Christ, but always refused to convert to Islam. John's master admired his resolve and as a result placed him in the stables to tend to and live in. He lived his life as a Christian slave in a Muslim world.
Prophesying his death, Saint John wanted to receive Communion one last time. He asked a priest to bring the mysteries to him in the stable, but the priest felt it was too dangerous. Instead, he carved out a hole in an apple and placed the Communion inside (covering it with wax so it wouldn't seep into the apple). After he received the mysteries, Saint John passed away in Christ.
Saint John the Russian's feast day is celebrated on May 27.
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This icon of Saint John the Russian is reproduced, with permission, from the authentic icon painted by the monks in the Cell of St. John the Theologian Holy Monastery of Koutloumousiou in Mount Athos, Greece. This icon is part of our collection Icons from Mount Athos, which features all icons from the Cell of St. John the Theologian.
This icon is made of solid, natural limewood (Tilia) that has been prepared by hand using traditional methods and organic materials. The background consists of 22 Karat gold leaves that were meticulously applied by hand, piece by piece.
All of our icons are reproduced according to museum print standards and are authentic replicas of Holy Icons from Mount Athos and elsewhere.
Learn more about how our Holy Icons are made here.
Our most popular dimensions are pictured, to scale.
Depending on the size and theme, Holy Icons are available in both Recessed and Level styles.
RECESSED
The groove in our recessed icons adds depth to the Iconography, making the icon even more dramatic and impressive. In order to keep the relative proportions, the depth of the groove changes with the size of the Holy Icon.
LEVEL
Level icons allow the Iconography to retain its boldness even in smaller sizes. As such most of our level icons have smaller dimensions.
Backside details vary with icon size and serve to ensure that your Holy Icon will stand the test of time.
Solid wooden icons of larger dimensions are prone to bending and damaging as time passes. Fortunately, our Holy Icons are supported by two additional, horizontal wooden protective panels on the backside. These panels bolster the icon and allow it to sustain its shape, ensuring that your Holy Icon will remain in its original, pristine condition as it is passed down from generation to generation.
Icons of smaller dimensions are naturally sustainable over time, and experience less structural stress. As such, you will find that the backside of smaller Holy Icons is flat and proportional to their shape.
