Saints Martha and Mary. Wooden orthodox icon

Icon of Saints Martha and Mary Lazarus' sisters

Two Sisters — Two Paths of Serving Christ

This beautiful icon depicts Saints Martha and Mary, the sisters of righteous Lazarus whom the Lord raised from the dead. These holy women were faithful disciples of Christ and witnesses to one of His greatest miracles.

✨ Their Story

Martha and Mary lived in Bethany, near Jerusalem, with their brother Lazarus. Christ often visited their home, finding rest, love, and faith in this devoted family. The Gospel preserves touching accounts of these encounters.

Two Ways of Serving God:

Scripture shows us the different characters of the two sisters, yet their equal love for Christ:

Martha — represents active service. She cared for the Lord, prepared meals, and managed the household. She embodies Christian action: charity, hospitality, and care for others.

Mary — represents contemplative life. She "sat at Jesus' feet and heard His word" (Luke 10:39). When Martha complained, the Lord replied: "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part" (Luke 10:41-42).

These words don't condemn Martha but show that prayer and hearing God's Word come first — service must flow from this source.

Witnesses to the Greatest Miracle:

When Lazarus died, both sisters turned to Christ with faith. Martha confessed: "Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God" (John 11:27). Mary fell at Jesus' feet, weeping. Moved by their sorrow and faith, the Lord raised Lazarus from the dead on the fourth day.

Preachers of the Gospel:

After being driven from Jerusalem during persecution, Saints Martha and Mary, together with Lazarus, preached Christ's teaching in other countries. According to tradition, they reached Cyprus, where Lazarus became bishop. The sisters assisted him in apostolic ministry, witnessing to Christ's resurrection and their brother's raising.

🙏 How Saints Martha and Mary Help Believers

✅ Balance of prayer and action — Teaching us to unite contemplation with service
✅ Help with household duties — St. Martha is patroness of homemakers and cooks
✅ Deepening prayer life — St. Mary inspires contemplative prayer and Scripture study
✅ Christian hospitality — Creating homes filled with love and welcome
✅ Faith in resurrection — Strengthening belief that death has no power over those in Christ
✅ Comfort in grief — Consoling those who have lost loved ones
✅ For sisters and families — Showing that different personalities can harmoniously serve God
✅ Support in ministry — Inspiring women's active participation in church life

💫 Icon Symbolism

The saints wear golden robes symbolizing holiness and heavenly glory. They stand on the rocky soil of the Holy Land among sparse vegetation — a reminder of their earthly life in Bethany.

Martha holds a vessel — symbol of her active service and care for the Lord and others.

Mary holds a cross — sign of her deep faith, contemplative prayer, and having "chosen the good part." The cross also reminds us both sisters witnessed Christ's Crucifixion.

The azure background symbolizes heavenly purity and eternity.

🏡 Perfect For Your Home

This icon is especially meaningful for:

👭 Homes where sisters live together — model of Christian love and unity
🍳 Kitchen or dining room — St. Martha patronizes household management
🙏 Prayer corner — St. Mary inspires deeper prayer
👨👩👧👦 Families with daughters — example of godly female service
⚖️ Those seeking balance between active life and prayer
🏠 Hospitable homes — following the example of the Bethany household

Feast Days:
📅 Sunday of the Myrrhbearing Women (2nd Sunday after Pascha)
📅 June 4 / May 22 (Old Calendar)

🖼 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

📏 Available Sizes

• Small – 12 x 15 cm (5” x 6”)
• Medium – 23 x 30 cm (9” x 12”)
• Large – 30 x 39 cm (12” x 15”)

🎁 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.