The Story Behind This Icon:
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 liket heirs. 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 Charalambos 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.
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.
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.
