Saint Luke the Surgeon, Archbishop of Crimea

The Story Behind This Icon

Commemorating all physicians, this icon makes for a beautiful gift for all those in the medical field.

Saint Luke the Surgeon (4.14.1877 - 6.11.1961), Archbishop of Simferopol and Crimea, Professor of Anatomy and Surgery, the Blessed Surgeon, is a contemporary Saint of the Christian Orthodox Church. Saint Luke the Surgeon was born in East Crimea to an impoverished family.

When it was time to pursue higher education, he graduated from the Kiev Academy of Fine Arts, but soon decided against pursuing art in favor of a career that would give him the possibility to help people in need. From this desire, came his decision to become a physician. He graduated at the age of 26 from the University of Kiev and excelled in anatomy, partly as a result of his exceptional drawing abilities.

Out of compassion to the blind beggars, he also studied ophthalmology and in a very short time introduced a novel technique for curing trachoma and other serious eye conditions, ultimately restoring thousands of people's sight. His innovative researches brought to life manuals that are still used today.

Following the death of his wife at an early age, Saint Luke the Surgeon was led towards the priesthood and ultimately was ordained at the age of 44. From 1922 until the end of his life, he was arrested, exiled and horrifically tortured. During the last nine years of his life, he was blind from glaucoma, but still showed patience.

One cannot distinguish the Bishop from the physician. Saint Luke served as both, simultaneously and everywhere. He would heal his patients both through medical science, but also through prayer. The Bishop's deep faith was always present in his life and work.

He is known to have refused to attend his job at the hospital, unless he was permitted to hang an icon of the Mother of God in the operating room. Because of his great love for God, he was able to love all others, without exception and without discrimination.

In 1995 he was announced as a Saint by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

He is commemorated by our church on June 11^th, which marks the anniversary of his falling asleep in the Lord.

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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.