Description

Lithograph of Saint Spyridon

Saint Spyridon was born in 270 AD in the village of Assia in Cyprus. Although his family were shepherds, they were well-off. Spyridon, despite receiving a good education, also chose the profession of a shepherd.

Saint Spyridon was a simple and kind-hearted man, full of love for his fellow people. Often, he would gather other shepherds and take them to the church where he would explain the Gospel to them. With God’s blessing, he protected widows and orphans.

He married a pious woman with whom he had a daughter, Irene. However, his wife soon passed away. To ease his pain and grief, Spyridon devoted himself even more to the teaching of the divine word.

After much encouragement and persuasion, he agreed to be ordained as a priest. He became a model clergyman. He was so virtuous, upright, and beloved that, upon the death of the Bishop of Trimythous, both clergy and laity unanimously chose Spyridon as his successor. From this position, Saint Spyridon advanced even further in virtue, and God enabled him to perform many miracles.

With the authority of his holy life, Spyridon participated in the First Ecumenical Council, held in Nicaea of Bithynia, where he defeated the Arians and defended the Orthodox faith.

According to tradition, at one point during the Council, he held a tile in his hand. After making the sign of the Cross, he said, “In the name of the Father,” and fire rose from the tile, with which it had been baked. When he said, “and of the Son,” water flowed down, with which the clay had been mixed. Finally, when he added, “and of the Holy Spirit,” he showed only the earth that remained in his palm.

Saint Spyridon passed away peacefully on December 12, 350 AD. The Church honors his memory on this day.

Saint Spyridon Lithograph: Features

Using a lithographed replica of Byzantine art, the monk iconographer created this work following the traditional method of artificial aging, as taught on Mount Athos. The icon is adorned with gold finishing in the four corners, integrated into the engravings of the artificial aging.