Saint Benjamin icon, Handmade Greek Orthodox icon of St Benjamin the Deacon, Byzantine Catholic art wall hanging plaque, religious gift

This handmade orthodox icon is a lithography with double varnish layer to ensure vivid colors and waterproof properties depicting Saint Benjamin the Deacon and Martyr is a god inspired artwork abiding to the Athonian technique that was gives this icon unique religious and aesthetic value.

Benjamin (AD 329 – c. 424) was a deacon martyred circa 424 in Persia. Benjamin was executed during a period of persecution of Christians that lasted forty years and through the reign of two Persian kings: Isdegerd I, who died in 421, and his son and successor, Varanes V. King Varanes carried on the persecution with such great fury that Christians were submitted to the most cruel tortures.

Benjamin was imprisoned for a year for his Christian faith, and later released with the condition that he abandon preaching or speaking of his religion. His release was obtained by the Eastern Roman Emperor Theodosius II through an ambassador. However, Benjamin declared that it was his duty to preach about Christ and that he could not be silent. As a consequence, Benjamin was tortured mercilessly until his death in the year 424, specifically, "sharpened reeds [were] stuck under the nails of his fingers and toes."[1]

According to his hagiography, when the king was apprised that Benjamin refused to stop preaching, he "... caused reeds to be run in between the nails and the flesh, both of his hands and feet, and to be thrust into other most tender parts,[2] and drawn out again, and this to be frequently repeated with violence. Lastly, a knotty stake was thrust into his bowels, to rend and tear them, in which torment he expired.

Can be hung on a wall or placed on a flat surface.

The item is sold without the stand depicted.