Righteous Abraham

The Story Behind This Icon

The Righteous Forefather Abraham lived approximately 2,000 years before Christ, ten generations after Noah when the knowledge of God had perished from among mankind. Abraham was born into a pagan family in Ur of the Chaldees and was called by God to depart and go into a far country to spread His word.

Thus began Abraham's role as God's dispensation for the universal renewal and salvation of man. Abraham with his family left his country in Mesopotamia, departing for the land of Canaan, the country between Jordan and the Mediterranean, receiving the promise from God that through Abraham's seed all the nations of the earth should be blessed. For this reason, it is known as "the Promised Land".

The story of Abraham is documented in the Book of Genesis. 

Said Saint John Chrysostom about Righteous Abraham: 

“What priests did Abraham have available to him? Tell me. What teachers? What instruction?  What advice? What counsel? Since at that time there were neither Scriptures, nor law, nor prophets, nor anything else of that sort, he sailed an unnavigable sea, he traveled an untrodden path.  Moreover, he came from a pagan family and a pagan father.  And yet, he was not hindered by any of these things, but he shone with virtue to such an extent that a long time afterwards, after the prophets, after the law, after such great instruction given to men by Christ by signs and wonders, anticipating  these things by his actions, he showed forth genuine and ardent love, disdain for riches, and solicitude for the household of his offspring.

He trampled down all vanity and broke away from a luxurious and corrupt way of life, living more strictly than the monks who now betake themselves to mountaintops.  The righteous one had no dwelling, but the shade of the leaves was roof and shelter for him.  Since he was a foreigner, he was not indifferent toward hospitality, but he performed this work as a foreigner in a foreign land, continually welcoming and serving those who passed by at midday.  He performed the whole work himself and made his wife a partner in this good undertaking.

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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.