Christopher of Lycia, Holy Martyr (Christopher the Dog-headed). Wooden orthodox icon

Saint Christopher of Lycia, Holy Martyr (Christopher the Dog-headed). Wooden orthodox icon

St. Christopher lived in Lycia during the reign of the Roman emperor Decius (249-251 AD). 

Christopher was a tall, strong man who earned a living by carrying people across a turbulent river. One day, he carried a child who grew so heavy that Christopher feared they would drown. The child revealed himself to be Christ, explaining that the weight represented the burden of the world.

Christopher's experience symbolizes the call for Christians to bear their own crosses. Ultimately, he suffered martyrdom for his faith after refusing to renounce Christ. The emperor subjected him to torture, but he remained unharmed. After failing to kill him with arrows, the emperor ordered his decapitation. Miraculously, Christopher's severed head told the emperor to use his blood to heal his wounded eye, leading to the emperor's conversion to Christianity.

The name "Christopher" means "Christ-bearer," often depicted in icons as carrying a child who holds a globe. Some believe that seeing his icon prevents death on that day, although this superstition is not supported by the Orthodox Church.

In rare depictions, Christopher is shown with a dog's head, known as "Cynocephalus." 

According to legend, Saint Christopher initially had a beautiful appearance, but, wishing to avoid temptations for himself and those around him, he asked the Lord to give him an ugly face, which was fulfilled. Before his Baptism, he bore the name Reprev (worthless), which was associated with his disfigured appearance.

His relics, including his head, are located on the island of Rab in Croatia.

The icon is made by printing on a wooden board. Paints are mineral, do not fade with time. The thickness of the board is 2 cm. The board is covered with primer by hand. The image is covered with wax. Each icon has a metal mount on the back side so that you can hang the icon on the wall. The icon has no recess, the surface is smooth.

You can buy the icon in three sizes:

• 13 х 10 centimeters (5,1 x 3,9 inches)
• 19 х 14 centimeters (7,5 x 5,5 inches)
• 26 х 19 centimeters (10,2 x 7,5 inches)

Our icons are made by Orthodox craftsmen. You can read more about the technology here.

We hope it will be a good gift for you and your loved ones.