Reverend Sampson the Host was an example of true Christian charity and love for people. He was born into a noble family in Rome and received a good education, especially in the art of medicine. He used his skills to treat the poor and beggars for free.
Realizing that charity must be accompanied by Christian education of the soul, Sampson diligently read the Holy Scriptures and prayed a lot. After the death of his parents, he gave away his entire inheritance, adopting an ascetic lifestyle. He freed his slaves and went to live in the desert to lead a strict ascetic life.
By the will of God, Sampson arrived in Constantinople, where he received strangers, the sick and the poor, serving them with love and doing works of mercy. He became famous for his healing of Emperor Justinian I, who could not find relief from his illness. The grateful emperor offered him a lot of wealth, but Sampson refused and asked to build a hospice and hospital for the needy.
Saint Sampson continued to serve people until he was very old. After his death, his body was buried in a temple in the name of the holy martyr Mokius. He was glorified by the Lord with miraculous gifts. For example, when there was a severe fire in Constantinople, Sampson’s hospice remained undamaged thanks to his prayers. Also, thanks to Sampson's prayers, the courtier Theodoret was miraculously healed from a serious leg injury.
Even after death, Sampson continued to take care of his host. When the head of the house began to neglect his duties, Sampson himself appeared before him and reproached him for his negligence. Soon the boss corrected himself.
Reverend Sampson the Host is an inspiring example for all Christians, testifying to the importance of mercy, love and selflessness in serving others.
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.
