The Story Behind This Icon:
Saint Nikephoros was born in 1890 in a small village on the island of Crete, Greece. His parents died when he was young, leaving him an orphan. At 16 years old he began to show signs of leprosy and left in secret for Cairo to avoid confinement on the Leper Island of Spinalonga. As his disease worsened, he returned to Greece, Chios this time, to live in a church for lepers led by Saint Anthimos. Two years later he was tonsured as a monk and lived a life of strict prayer and fasting.
After the Chios leprosarium was closed in 1957, the two found residence in a leper home in Athens. Saint Nikephoros fell asleep in 1964, his relics becoming fragrant from Christ's blessing. Saint Nikephoros the Leper is the patron saint of those suffering infectious diseases. In the midst of the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, several people in Greece revealed that Saint Nikephoros the Leper appeared to them, assuring them of his intercession and protection as well as for the healing of those who suffered the disease.
Saint Nikephoros' feast day is celebrated on January 4.
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This icon is made of solid, natural limewood (Tilia) that has been prepared by hand using traditional methods and organic materials. The background is comprised 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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
