The Parable of Tax Collector and the Pharisee icon Handmade Greek Orthodox icon Byzantine art wall hanging on wood plaque, religious gift

This beautifully crafted Orthodox icon of the Parable of the Tax Collector and the Pharisee (Τελωνής και Φαρισαίος) is created using the traditional lithography technique, with a double varnish layer for enhanced water resistance and lasting durability. The icon undergoes handmade artificial aging, giving it a timeless, antique appearance that reflects the sacred beauty of Byzantine iconography. Produced by an artisan trained in the Monasteries of Mount Athos, this icon represents the highest standards of Orthodox Christian craftsmanship.

The Parable of the Tax Collector and the Pharisee is a profound teaching of Jesus, recorded in the Gospel of Luke (18:9-14). In this parable, Christ contrasts the attitudes of two men who went to pray at the temple. The Pharisee, filled with pride and self-righteousness, boasts of his good deeds, while the tax collector, recognizing his sinfulness, humbly asks for God’s mercy. Christ concludes that it is the humble tax collector who is justified, teaching the essential Christian virtues of humility and repentance. This parable is especially commemorated on the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee, which marks the beginning of the pre-Lenten season.

In Orthodox iconography, the figures of the Pharisee and the tax collector are depicted in prayerful postures. The Pharisee stands with his hands raised, often symbolizing pride and self-righteousness, while the tax collector is seen bowing, with a humble and contrite expression, symbolizing repentance and humility.

This Orthodox icon of the Parable of the Tax Collector and the Pharisee can be hung on a wall or placed on a flat surface, making it a meaningful and spiritually enriching addition to any prayer corner or sacred space. It serves as a reminder of the power of humility, the importance of repentance, and the mercy of God in the face of sin.