Icon of Saint Tikhon of Medyn, the Wonderworker of Kaluga

Wonderworker saint Tikhon of Medyn and Kaluga. Wooden orthodox icon.

Saint Tikhon of Kaluga, also known as Tikhon of Medyn, lived in the fifteenth century and is honored as the founder of the Tikhonov Hermitage near Kaluga. Tradition holds that he came from Kiev, "the mother of Russian cities," and in his youth traveled to Moscow, where he received monastic tonsure, according to legend at the Chudov Monastery. Seeking solitude, he withdrew to a remote wilderness on the banks of the small Vepreyka River, between Kaluga and Medyn, from which his name was later derived.

There, deep in the forest, Tikhon made his dwelling within the hollow of an ancient, mighty oak, sustaining himself on wild herbs and drinking from a spring he dug with his own hands — a well still known today as "the well of Saint Tikhon." News of his ascetic life drew disciples to him, and a small brotherhood gradually formed around his hermitage. When Prince Vasily Yaroslavich, on whose lands the hermit had settled, came upon his dwelling while hunting and angrily ordered him to leave, raising his whip against him, the prince's arm was struck instantly numb and motionless. Humbled by this divine sign, the prince repented, asked the saint's forgiveness, and upon receiving healing through Tikhon's prayer, begged him to remain and establish a monastery on his land, promising to provide for it generously.

Saint Tikhon thus founded his monastery, raising its first wooden church in honor of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, and became its first abbot, governing the brotherhood with humility, gentleness, and patience. He fed the hungry, gave drink to the thirsty, welcomed strangers, and stood as a defender of the wronged. He was known for the gift of tears and for his profound silence.

According to ancient monastic tradition, Saint Tikhon reposed in the year 1492 at a great age, having received the great schema shortly before his death. His holy relics rest beneath the Transfiguration Cathedral of the monastery, where healings have long been recorded, particularly among those suffering from afflictions of the mind, the eyes, and childhood illnesses. His all-Russian veneration was established at the Church Council of 1584.

In icons, Saint Tikhon is traditionally depicted in monastic schema, in prayer before icons of the Savior and the Mother of God set within the hollow of the great oak, with the monastery he inspired rising in the background — a lasting image of solitude transformed into a sanctuary of prayer and healing.

His feast day is celebrated on June 16 (June 29, New Style).

Through his prayers, may God have mercy on us!

The original of this icon is from the 19th century and is in a private collection.

🖼 Product Features

Each icon in our workshop is made to last a lifetime and beyond. The image is printed with rich, fade-resistant pigment inks on a premium solid-core wood panel — then hand-finished with a natural beeswax coating that deepens the colors, protects the surface, and gives each piece the warm, reverent quality of a traditionally crafted sacred object. A metal hanging hook is included on the back, so your icon is ready to display the moment it arrives.

• Crafted on a premium wood panel — 1.6 cm (0.6") thick, sturdy yet lightweight
• Fade-resistant pigment print — rich, true-to-life colors that last for generations
• Natural beeswax finish — hand-applied for depth, protection, and a traditional feel
• Ready to hang — metal hook pre-attached on the reverse
• Hand-finished by Orthodox Christian artisans in Portugal

📏 Size: 14x30 cm (6"x12")

🎁 Perfect For

• Meaningful Orthodox Christian gifts
• Housewarming and family blessings
• Prayer corners and devotional spaces
• Baptisms, name days, weddings, and feast days

🌍 Worldwide Delivery

Securely packed and shipped worldwide from Portugal with tracking.

✨ Crafted with Tradition

Each icon is carefully made by Orthodox Christian artisans in Portugal — created to become a lasting blessing for your home or a treasured gift for someone you love.