Saint Simeon Theodochos – Excavated Lithograph – Mount Athos

Description

Engraved Lithograph withSaint Simeon Theodochos

Saint Simeon (February 2) resided in Jerusalem. He was righteous and reverent. The information he had received from the Holy Spirit, that he would not die before seeing Christ, encouraged him into his old age.

Finally, exactly forty days after Jesus’ birth, the Holy Spirit informed him to go to the Sanctuary.  Waiting full of pleasure and joy, he saw Joseph come with the Virgin, who was holding Jesus. Simeon, inwardly informed that this infant is Christ, takes Him in his arms, and after receiving all the hilarity of His divine form, lifted up his gaze and said in thanks to God: “Now you dismiss your servant, Despot, according to your verb in peace; that my eyes have seen thy saviour, who hath prepared in the face of all peoples, a light unto the revelation of nations, and the glory of thy people Israel.” Now, that is, take my soul, Despot, according to your word, peacefully, for my eyes have seen him who will bring the salvation that you have prepared for all peoples, and who will be light for them, who will reveal the true God and glorify your people Israel.

Engraved Lithography: Features

The work is crafted entirely by hand, without machinery, in carved natural wood. It is the work of hagiographer Athanasios, a student of the Athonite Ecclesiastical Academy, who remains faithful to Byzantine art as he was taught it on Mount Athos. His works are covered with pure beeswax so that they remain unchanged over time.

In this particular icon, the hagiographer monk used the technique of lithography to create a work of unique beauty. Specifically, using a lithographed copy of Byzantine art, the monk created this work following the traditional method of artificial aging, as taught in the hagiography workshops of the Athonite State. In fact, the artificial aging of hagiography is handmade, a process to which the monks of Mount Athos pay particular attention.

As the image is handmade and the wood is processed entirely by hand, there may be slight variations in the dimensions of each image.

Image available upon request.

Origin: Mount Athos