The Story Behind This Icon:
Saint Sophrony of Essex (Sacharov), one of our modern-day saints, was born in Moscow in 1896. Even as a child, he found peace in praying, although he initially devoted himself to painting and studied at the State School of Fine Arts.In 1922 he left his home country to pursue his artistic career in Western Europe and settled in Paris. There, he returned to Christianity and became among the first students of St. Sergius Orthodox Theological Institute.
After three years, he decided to leave as he found the formal theological studies to be unfulfilling and headed to Mount Athos, where he entered the Monastery of Saint Panteleimon. He became a disciple of Saint Silouan the Athonite. In 1941, Saint Sophrony was ordained to priesthood and eventually became the spiritual father to many monks in Mount Athos.In 1959, Saint Sophrony established the Holy Patriarchal and Stavropegic Monastery of Saint John the Baptist in Essex, England.
Throughout his lifetime and preachings, he taught the faithful to have love in their heart. He reposed in the Lord in 1993.
Saint Sophrony of Essex is commemorated each year on July 11.
***
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.
