Saint Markella icon, Handmade Greek Orthodox icon of St Markella of Chios, Byzantine art wall hanging icon wood plaque, religious decor

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

The holy and glorious Virgin-martyr Markella of Chios (also Marcella) is the patron saint of Chios and was born and lived in the village of Volissos of Chios. Her feast day is celebrated on July 22.

Markella was born and lived in the village of Volissos of Chios and lived during the fourteenth century. Her mother was a devout christian but her father, who was mayor of the village, was an idolater. At a young age, her mother passed away, but not before she had taught Markella the ways of the Lord. While her father saw to her education, she continued to live in faith and virtue, dedicating herself to Jesus Christ. She studied the Holy Bible and spent many hours in prayer. She practiced the virtues of fasting, love, hospitality and chastity. She avoided idle interactions so that she would not come to spiritual harm. Her goal was to attain the Kingdom of Heaven, and to become a bride of Christ.

St Markella increased in virtue as she grew older, fasting, praying, and attending church services. She tried to keep the commandments and to lead others to God. She loved and respected her father, and comforted him in his sorrow. She told him she would take care of him in his old age, and would not abandon him.

As an adult, St Markella was loved by everyone for her beauty and for her spiritual gifts. Her father, moved by the evil one began to have sinful desires for Markella. By the time she had reached her eighteenth birthday, her father's desires had begun to show and so Markella decided to leave from her father's house in order to preserve her purity. She went to a nearby mountain and hid in a bush. Her father found her, with the help of a local shepherd, and then set