The Story Behind This Icon:
Saint Iakovos was born in Livisi of Asia Minor in 1920, where he lived with his mother and eight siblings. They lived in great poverty: only three of Saint Iakovos' siblings survived past infancy. In 1925, his family moved to Evia, Greece to escape persecution and poor living conditions. The saint was blessed from a young age, seeing a vision of Saint Paraskevi telling him what he would grow up to be a monk. When he was twenty years old, the Second World War brought upon Greece's Civil War following German occupation. Saint Iakovos was drafted for the war, but discharged two years later. In 1951, he began to live at the Monastery of Saint David in Evia, becoming a monk, deacon and a priest all in 1952. After years of spiritual practice, he became the Abbot of the monastery in 1975. He was well known for his spiritual capabilities, advice and confessions; many came to visit him. Saint Iakovos was proficient in exorcism. With the skull of Saint David of Evia (whom the monastery is named after), he was able to cast out demons from many faithful.
Saint Iakovos fell asleep in 1991 and his feast day is celebrated on November 22.
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This icon of Saint Elder Iakovos Tsalikis of Evia is reproduced, with permission, from the authentic icon painted by the monks in the Cell of St. John the Theologian Holy Monastery of Koutloumousiou in Mount Athos, Greece. This icon is part of our collection Icons from Mount Athos, which features all icons from the Cell of St. John the Theologian.
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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.
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.
