The Dormition of Saint Joseph the Hesychast

The Dormition of Saint Joseph the Hesychast

$270.00

Saint Joseph was born on the island of Paros, Greece, in 1897. His father passed away when his was very young in age and he grew up with his mother and his six siblings. He attended school only until 2nd grade; as one of the oldest, he had to work and help his mother. It was not until his twenties, when he saw a vision of two Angels dressed like guards leading him to God; he then began to read books about the Holy Fathers. As he read about them, he realized that he wanted to be like them and lead a life like theirs. In 1921, having practiced living ascetically for almost two years, he decided to go to Mount Athos. Eventually, he met Father Arsenios who became his companion in asceticism and hesychasm. After some years, they returned to Katounakia, where Saint Joseph became a spiritual father. Many came to him to join his brotherhood but most could not maintain the level of extreme asceticism Saint Joseph’s practiced. Many of the monks in his brotherhood eventually became saints: Joseph of Vatopaidi; Father Ephraim (who founded most of the monasteries in the United States); Father Haralambos of Dionysiou; and Saint Ephraim of Katounakia (who was not a part of the brotherhood, but often received guidance from Saint Joseph). Saint Joseph fell asleep in 1959. Depicted in this icon around Saint Joseph the Hesychast are: Saint Ephraim Katounakiotis, Father Charalambos Dionysiatis, Father Athanasios (Saint's Joseph brother), Father Joseph Vatopaidinos, Father Theofylaktos Neoskytiotis, Father Ephraim of Arizona and Elder Arsenios (his fellow struggler of more than 40 years). The Monastery on the left is Nea Skiti of Mount Athos and the building on the right is simply scenery from Mount Athos.

Saint Joseph’s feast day is celebrated on August 15, which is also the Dormition of the Theotokos. As a result, some Fathers on Mount Athos celebrate his feast day on August 16.

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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.

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.

From the moment you first hold your Holy Icon, you will see the exquisite details that bear truth to the meticulous preparation and creation of the image, as well as feel the depth and weight of the solid wood upon which it is portrayed. One of our larger icon dimensions (11.8" x 15.7"/30 x 40 cm) weighs more than 5 pounds!

Because we value quality even in the details, your Holy Icon will be shipped in luxury packaging and can be presented as a gift for a friend or family member.

Dimension: 5.5" x 7.7" (14 x 19.5 cm)

Width	Weight	Style	Backside Braces
0.8" (2 cm)	0.6 lb (0.3 kg)	Level	NA

Dimension: 7.9" x 11" (20 x 28 cm)

Width	Weight	Style	Backside Braces
1.8" (4.5 cm)	2.3 lb (1kg)	Recessed	Wood

Dimension: 9.8" x 13" (25 x 33 cm)

Width	Weight	Style	Backside Braces
1.8" (4.5 cm)	3.1 lb (1.4 kg)	Recessed	Wood

Dimensions and weights may slightly vary as these items are cut by hand.

We are proud to offer the highest quality products! However, if you are not satisfied with your purchase, you may return it for an exchange or refund, free of charge! We offer free return shipping for all orders, so long as:
a) Item(s) are been purchased in the last 30 days.
b) Item(s) are returned with their original blue box and/or packaging.
c) Both the packaging and item(s) are in their original condition.

You can read our full Refund & Return Policy here.

Dimension: 5.9" x 11.8" (15 x 30 cm)

Width	Weight	Style	Backside Braces
1.6" (4 cm)	1.6 lb (0.7 kg)	Recessed	Wood

Dimensions and weights may slightly vary as these items are cut by hand.

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Our most popular dimensions are pictured, to scale.

Icon Styles

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

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.