Saint Paisios – Aged Lithograph with Gold Leaf – Mount Athos

Description

Aged Lithograph of Saint Paisios

Saint Paisios of Mount Athos (born Arsenios Eznepidis) became widely known for his life and work. After his death, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew initiated the process of his canonization, and he was recognized as a saint by the Orthodox Church on January 13, 2015. The Greek Orthodox Church celebrates his feast day on July 12.

In his final years, he lived in the abandoned cell of Panagouda, where he worked tirelessly, offering spiritual guidance through prayers and teachings to the many people who visited him. At the same time, he continued his intense ascetic life, resting very little each day. However, he always accepted visitors and tried to help them. He also made “stamped” small icons as handicrafts, which he would give as blessings to the visitors.

Aged Lithograph: Features

In this particular image, the monk-iconographer used the technique of lithography to create a uniquely beautiful piece, bordered with gold leaf. Specifically, using a lithographed copy of Byzantine art, the monk crafted this work following the traditional method of artificial aging, as he was taught in the iconography workshops of the Athonite Monastic State. In fact, the artificial aging of the icon is handmade, a process to which the monks of Mount Athos place great importance.

Origin: Mount Athos