Prophet Moses

The Story Behind This Icon

The Holy Prophet Moses was of the tribe of Levi, his life being described in Exodus 2 through Deuteronomy. Moses was born in Egypt around 1689 before Christ. When Pharaoh ordered all male children of the Hebrew slaves to be killed, Moses' mother Jochabed placed him in a papyrus basket coated with pitch and set him adrift on the Nile so as to save him. The daughter of Pharaoh found Moses and raised him as her own son. 

At the age 80, Moses fled to Midian (modern-day Saudi Arabia and Jordan), where he encountered God in the Burning Bush. At this point, the Lord God revealed to Moses that He had chosen him to lead His people out of Egypt and into the Promised Land. 

Crossing the Red Sea after parting it, the Israelites wandered in the Sinai desert for 40 years. Moses is regarded as the author of the first five books of the Old Testament and performed many miracles during his life, falling asleep in the Lord at the age of 120. He was given the Ten Commandments by God Himself and brought them to the people of Israel for their benefit. 

He appeared on Mount Tabor with the Prophet Elias at the Transfiguration of Christ. 

The Holy Prophet Moses is commemorated by the Orthodox Church on September 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 consists of 22 Karat gold leaves that were meticulously applied by hand, piece by piece. Subtle connecting lines and brush strokes may be visible on the gold leaves and are a testament to the artisan's hand, making each piece entirely unique.