Saint Paisios – Gold-Embossed Icon – Mount Athos

Description

Gold-Embossed Icon of Saint Paisios

Saint Paisios the Athonite (secular name 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 officially recognized as a Saint of the Orthodox Church by the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople on January 13, 2015. The Greek Orthodox Church commemorates his memory on July 12.

He spent the last years of his life in the cell of Panagouda, which he found abandoned. There he worked hard, receiving many visitors to whom he offered spiritual support through his prayers and teachings. At the same time, he continued his intense ascetic life, resting very little each day. Nevertheless, he kept receiving and trying to help visitors. He also used to make “stamped” small icons as handiwork, which he gifted to visitors as a blessing.

Gold-Embossing with Sandblasting: Features

In the icon depicting Saint Paisios, the monk iconographer used the technique of gold embossing to create a uniquely beautiful work. Gold embossing is a type of thermo-printing technique. Thermo-printing is a method in which a very thin metallic foil is adhered onto surfaces such as wood, leather, cardboard, or plastic by applying pressure with a heated engraved plate (die) onto the surface. Around the perimeter of the icon, the sandblasting technique is also used. This technique involves the erosion of part or all of a surface by blasting it with sand under pressure.

Dimensions: 21 x 16.5 x 2 cm
Origin: Mount Athos