Saint Judas Thaddaeus – Lithograph – Mount Athos

Description

Lithograph of Saint Judas Thaddaeus

A lithograph of Saint Judas Thaddaeus, also known as Lebbaeus or Judas the son of James, who was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ and a saint of the Orthodox Church. According to tradition, Saint Judas Thaddaeus was a religiously educated Jew who went to Jerusalem for pilgrimage during the time when John the Baptist was preaching. Upon hearing his sermon and witnessing his way of life, he was so impressed that he sought baptism from him. However, when he later heard the teachings of Christ and saw His miracles, he became a disciple and followed Him until His Passion. He then preached the Gospel in various places, including Judea, Samaria, Syria, Mesopotamia, and Libya.

Lithograph: Characteristics

In this particular image, the iconographer monk used the technique of lithography to create a work of exceptional beauty. Using a lithographed copy of Byzantine art, the monk crafted this piece following the traditional method of artificial aging, as taught in the iconography workshops of the Athonite State. The artificial aging of the icon is handmade, a process in which the monks of Mount Athos place great importance.

Origin: Mount Athos