Saint Marina icon, Handmade Greek Orthodox icon of St Marina of Antioch the Martyr, Byzantine art wall hanging, religious gift

This byzantine icon is a lithography with double varnish layer to ensure vivid colors and waterproof properties depicting Saint Marina of Antioch, is an god inspired artwork abiding to the Athonian technique that was gives this icon unique religious and aesthetic value.

The holy and glorious Great-martyr Marina of Antioch (also known as Margaret of Antioch) was killed for her faith under the persecutions of the Roman Emperor Diocletian (r. 284-305). The Church remembers her on July 17.

Marina lived in what is now modern-day Pisidia, Turkey, in the early fourth century. Her father was a pagan priest, and her mother died in childbirth. The unwanted Marina was then left in the care of a nursemaid, who was later discharged of her duties and sent to work as a shepherdess. While still a teenager, Marina made a vow of perpetual chastity to God.

One day, while Marina was tending sheep, a Roman prefect attempted to seduce her. When she refused his advances, she was denounced as a Christian. Upon refusing to sacrifice to the pagan gods, she was subjected to various tortures, including being beaten with clubs and her skin being raked with iron combs. One rather interesting torment included plunging Marina into a cauldron of boiling water, out of which she came unharmed, singing God's praises.

Again imprisoned, the devil tried to frighten her three times. Once as a dragon he attempted to devour her, holding half of her body in his mouth. Praying, she made the sign of the cross and the beast was torn apart and vanished.

Again, he appeared as a man, black as night. She seized his hair and beat him with a hammer until he left her sight. Again, he grabbed her and threatened to kill her if she would not stop praying. She whipped him, and finally a light appeared from Heaven in the form of a cross. A white dove told her to rejoice for she had vanquished the enemy, and she was completely healed.

She was event