Saint Abbess and Martyr Vasilissa of Egypt. Wooden orthodox icon.

Saint Abbess and Martyr Vasilissa of Egypt. Wooden orthodox icon.

The noble and rich maiden Vasilissa, by the will of her parents, married the pious youth Julian. When after the wedding feast the bride and groom entered the bedchamber, the room was filled with an extraordinary fragrance. "What does this mean?" Vasilissa asked in surprise. "The fragrance," Julian answered her, "comes from Christ, who loves purity. If we preserve our virginity in purity and please the Savior, then we will become his chosen vessels and receive salvation in the coming age." "And what else is more necessary than salvation?" Vasilissa exclaimed, and the young people knelt down and began to pray.

And suddenly an extraordinary light shone in the room and a vision appeared: the King of Glory Christ with a multitude of virgins and the Most Holy Theotokos with the faces of virgins. Four elders standing near the bed held golden cups full of fragrances. “These cups,” said one of the elders, “depict your perfection, for you are blessed that you have striven for eternal life.” Julian and Basilissa saw a large book on the bed, and in it their names written in golden letters. “In this book,” continued the elder, “are listed pure, sober, merciful, meek people who have endured severe trials. You are now numbered among them.” After these words, the vision ceased, and the spouses joyfully spent the rest of the night singing psalms.

Some time after the marriage of Julian and Basilissa, their parents died, leaving them a rich inheritance. They, having received freedom for spiritual life, built two monasteries, one for men and one for women, took monastic vows, and served as abbots in these monasteries.

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.

You can buy the icon in three sizes:

• 13 х 7 centimeters (5,1 x 2,8 inches)
• 19 х 10 centimeters (7,5 x 3,9 inches)
• 26 х 13 centimeters (10,2 x 5,1 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.