The Story Behind This Icon:
Saint Cosmas the Aetolian was not only a great missionary who provided education to the poor villagers - he established 250 schools, charities and churches within a six year period in the area of Aetolia during the 18th century, but he also received from God the gift of prophecy.
Here are only a few of his prophecies and sayings, some of which have already become reality:
- "From schools will come things that your mind can not imagine."
- "The time will come when your enemies will take away from you even the ashes from your fires, but don't give up your faith as others will."
- "The time will come when people will speak to one another from far away places, for example from Constantinople to Russia, as if they were in adjoining rooms."
- "The rich will become poor and the poor will die."
Saint Cosmas Aetolian is celebrated on the 24th of August.
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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.
