Saint Irene icon, Handmade Greek Orthodox icon of St Irene of Thessaloniki, Byzantine art wall hanging icon on wood plaque, religious decor

A UNIQUE AND AUTHENTIC HANDMADE PIECE OF ART with the representation of the Saint Irene the Great Martyr of Thessaloniki . A wonderful artwork by following the technique instilled in Mount Athos - one of the most beloved pictorial themes.

This wonderful handmade wooden icon follows the technique of lithography and has a double varnish to ensure water proof properties and long lasting in time. It has been crafted on solid natural wood and it was carved by hand. The creator of this icon has learned the canonization of Byzantine iconography and the theme is an exact copy of Byzantine hagiography.

The holy Great Martyr Irene of Thessaloniki was born in the city of Magedon in Persia during the fourth century. She was the daughter of the pagan king Licinius, and her parents named her Penelope. The name Irene means peace. She is one of the twelve Virgin Martyrs who appeared to St. Seraphim of Sarov (January 2) and the Diveyevo nun Eupraxia on the Feast of the Annunciation in 1831, and her feast is celebrated on May 5.

Penelope was very beautiful, and her father kept her isolated in a high tower from the time she was six so that she would not be exposed to Christianity. He also placed thirteen young maidens in the tower with her. An old tutor by the name of Apellian was assigned to give her the best possible education. Apellian was a Christian, and during her lessons, he told the girl about Christ the Savior and taught her the Christian Faith and the Christian virtues.

When Penelope reached adolescence, her parents began to think about her marriage. One day, a dove flew through the window carrying an olive branch in its beak, depositing it upon a table. Then an eagle swooped in with a wreath of flowers in its beak, and also placed it upon the table. Finally, a raven flew in carrying a snake, which it dropped on the table. Penelope was puzzled by these events and wondered what they meant.

Apellian explain