The Story Behind this Icon:
Saint Spyridon was born in Cyprus in the late Third Century and suffered during the Great Persecution of Diocletian. He was a shepherd with a wife and children, using all his efforts for the needs of his neighbors and the homeless. He healed the sick and cast out demons, gaining the title "Wonderworker". After the death of his wife, during the reign of Saint Constantine the Great, Saint Spyridon was made Bishop of Trymithous, Cyprus.
Saint Spyridon was present at the First Ecumenical Council, silencing the heretic Arians with simple words. Saint Spyridon, lacking a formal education, proved to the educated delegates the existence of the Holy Trinity. Praying, he took a piece of roof tile and squeezed it forcefully in his palm. Water was seen running down, the soil remaining in his palm, and fire ascended upwards, thus explaining the nature of the Holy Trinity to the assembled bishops. This can be seen in our Icon of him!
Saint Spyridon reposed in 350 AD in Trymithous. However, his relics were taken to Constantinople at the end of the Seventh Century on account of the impending barbarian invasions, and kept there, being venerated by the Emperors themselves, until the fall of Constantinople in 1453. The relics were then taken to northwestern Greece and finally, in 1456, to the island of Corfu in Kerkyra. Today they are found in a large church dedicated to him and attract a great number of pilgrims from all Christian lands.
Saint Spyridon is commemorated on December 12.
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This icon is made of solid, natural Limewood 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.
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.
