Saints Constantine & Helen – Serigraph on Naturally Aged Wood – Mount Athos

Description

Icon of Saints Constantine & Helen on Naturally Aged Wood

A representation of the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Constantine and Helen, who are honored by the Orthodox Church on May 21, in a beautiful serigraph from Mount Athos.

According to tradition, when Emperor Constantine fought against Maxentius, he began to pray to God, raising his right hand and begging for divine revelation. At that moment, he saw in the sky the symbol of the Cross, which read “In this sign, conquer.” That very night, the Lord appeared to him in a dream. Constantine then began his march towards Rome, bearing the Christian banner as his standard, eliminating all opposition. It is also notable that after his baptism, Saint Constantine never wore his imperial robe again, but remained dressed in the white garment of his baptism until his death in 337 AD.

Saint Helen demonstrated her piety through many acts of charity, including the construction of new churches in Rome, Constantinople (Holy Apostles), Bethlehem, and on the Mount of Olives. In 326 AD, she traveled to Jerusalem, where, after much effort, she discovered the Holy Cross, along with the crosses of the two thieves who were crucified with Jesus. Saint Helen peacefully passed away in 327 AD at the age of eighty. Her son transported her relics to Constantinople and buried them in the Church of the Holy Apostles.

This particular icon, like all icons in this category, has been created on naturally aged wood, which comes from a restored monastic cell on Mount Athos. Through “Athonite Heritage,” these icons can be in the hands of those who long to hold a piece of the living Athonite tradition.

Since the icon is handmade and the wood processing is done by hand, there may be small variations in the wood, but not in the depiction itself.

The icon is available upon order.

Origin: Mount Athos

Dimensions: 25.5 x 31.5 x 2.5 cm