Saints Raphael, Nicholas and Irene lived on the island of Lesvos in and around the village of Thermi - Saint Raphael was the abbot of Karyes Monastery, Saint Nicholas was a deacon at the Karyes Monastery and Saint Irene was the 12-year old daughter of the mayor of Thermi. All three Saints were martyred in the Karyes Monastery by the Turks on Bright Tuesday ten years after the fall of Constantinople.
These Saints were unknown for about 500 years after their martyrdoms and began to reappear to people of Lesvos in 1959, guiding the faithful to excavations of their graves, calling people to repentance and curing many diseases. During this time, the Saints revealed how they were martyred, being cruelly tortured at the Monastery.
Their relics are today kept in the Holy Monastery of Saint Raphael in Thermi, Lesvos, Greece. They are commemorated on Bright Tuesday.
"Having contended on Lesvos for the sake of Christ God, you have sanctified the island since the discovery of your sacred relics, O blessed ones; for what reason we honour you, O God-bearing Raphael, together with Nicholas and the virgin Irene, as our divine protectors and intercessors with the Lord." - Apolytikion of Saints Raphael, Nicholas and Irene.
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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.
