Description
Aged Lithograph of Saint Martha (June 4)
Saint Martha and Saint Mary, along with their brother Saint Lazarus, were part of the most beloved and holy family in Bethany for the Lord Jesus Christ. The Gospel portrays Mary as deeply absorbed in the teachings of Jesus, while Martha, the elder sister, is diligently preparing the hospitality table. For this, she hears the well-known and instructive words from the Teacher: “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But Mary has chosen the good part, which will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:38-42).
Both sisters, devout and prominent members of the early Christian Church, were granted the blessing to die peacefully and not under persecution. For the Lord did not wish to let the hearts that offered Him so much holy serenity under their roof in Bethany, during the eve of His Passion, to endure such pain.
In this particular image, the monk-iconographer employed the technique of lithography to create a work of unique beauty. Specifically, using a lithographed replica 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 handcrafted, a process to which the monks of Mount Athos attribute special importance.
Origin: Mount Athos
