Holy Martyr and Deacon Lawrence of Rome. Wooden orthodox icon.
Original icon: 1897. Icon painter: M. Dikarev. Collection of royal icons. Kept in the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg
The martyrs Archdeacon Laurentius, Pope Sixtus, deacons Felicissimus and Agapitus, and soldier Romanus of Rome suffered in 258 under Emperor Valerian (253-259).
Holy Pope Sixtus, originally from Athens, received a good education, preached in Spain, and was appointed bishop of Rome after the martyrdom of Holy Pope Stephen (253-257, commemorated on August 2). This was the time when the pope occupying the Roman throne was elected to certain death. Soon after, Saint Sixtus was also captured and imprisoned along with his two deacons, Felicissimus and Agapitus.
When the holy Archdeacon Laurentius met Pope Sixtus, who was being led to prison, he cried out with tears: "Where are you going, father? Why are you leaving your archdeacon, with whom you always offered the Bloodless Sacrifice? Take your son with you, so that I too may be a partaker with you in shedding blood for Christ!" Saint Sixtus answered him: "I am not leaving you, my son. I am an old man and am going to an easy death, but you will face more severe suffering. Know that three days after our death you too will follow me. And now go, sell the church treasures and distribute them to persecuted and needy Christians." Saint Lawrence fulfilled the saint's command with zeal.
Upon learning that the holy Pope Sixtus and deacons were to be put on trial, Saint Lawrence joined them and said, "Father, I have followed your instructions and distributed the treasure entrusted to me. Please do not abandon me!" Hearing rumors of a treasure, the soldiers took it and executed the martyrs († August 6, 258). The emperor imprisoned Saint Lawrence and put Hippolytus in charge. Despite being imprisoned, Saint Lawrence healed the sick and baptized many with prayer. Impressed, Hippolytus and his household converted to Christianity. Later, the emperor demanded Saint Lawrence reveal the hidden treasure within three days. In response, the saint gathered the poor and sick supported by the Church, announcing that they were the true treasures to be found in the Kingdom of Heaven. As a result, Saint Lawrence faced severe torture, but refused to bow to idols. A soldier witnessed a bright youth tending to Saint Lawrence's wounds and pleaded to be baptized.
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 11 centimeters (5,1 x 4,3 inches)
- 19 х 16 centimeters (7,5 x 6,3 inches)
- 26 х 22 centimeters (10,2 x 8,7 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.
