Icon of Saint Demetrius (Dimitry) of Priluki, Abbot of Vologda, with Scenes from His Life
This Orthodox icon depicts Saint Demetrius (Dimitry) of Priluki, Venerable Abbot of Vologda, together with detailed life scenes (hagiographic panels) illustrating his ascetic path, spiritual labors, and miracles.
The icon is based on an original work dating to circa 1503, now preserved in the Vologda Regional Museum of Local Lore (Russia). It reflects the early Russian iconographic tradition of the North, combining deep theological meaning with historical narrative.
Saint Demetrius was born in the early 14th century into a wealthy merchant family near Pereslavl-Zalessky. From his youth he chose the monastic path, receiving tonsure at the Goritsky Dormition Monastery, where he was later ordained as a priest. He founded the Nikolaev Coenobitic Monastery near Lake Pleshcheyevo and became its abbot.
The Life of Saint Demetrius tells of his close spiritual friendship with Saint Sergius of Radonezh. Following Sergius’s counsel, Demetrius withdrew from worldly fame and traveled north with only one disciple, the monk Pachomius. In 1371, on the left bank of the Vologda River, at a place called Priluki, he founded the Spaso-Prilutsky Monastery, the first coenobitic monastery of the Russian North.
Saint Demetrius was known for:
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Deep humility and strict asceticism
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Constant fasting, prayer, and personal poverty
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Mercy toward travelers, the poor, and the oppressed
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Quiet charity and defense of the unjustly treated
He lived an extremely austere life, wearing the same sheepskin coat year-round and consuming only the simplest food, even on feast days.
The saint reposed peacefully on February 11, 1406 (approx.), having foretold the time of his death. After his repose, numerous miracles and healings were recorded at his relics.
Life Scenes Depicted on the Icon
The icon includes traditional narrative panels showing:
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Monastic tonsure of Saint Demetrius
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His ordination as priest
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Foundation of the Nikolaev Monastery
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Spiritual conversation with Saint Sergius of Radonezh
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Meeting with Prince Dmitry Donskoy
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Exile and wanderings
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Foundation of the Vologda monastery
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Prophecies, blessings, and miracles
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His repose, burial, and posthumous healings
This icon is a powerful spiritual guide and reminder of humility, obedience, and trust in God’s providence, especially beloved by monks, pilgrims, clergy, and those seeking spiritual strength.
🖼 Product Features
• Printed on durable MDF wood panel
• Mineral pigment inks for long-lasting color
• Sealed with protective beeswax finish
• Ready to hang — includes mounted metal hook
• Handmade by Orthodox Christian artisans
• Lightweight yet solid: board thickness is 1.6 cm (0.6")
📏 Available Sizes
• 12 x 15 cm (5” x 6”)
• 23 x 30 cm (9” x 12”)
• 30 x 39 cm (12” x 15”)
🎁 Perfect for
• Orthodox Christian gifts
• Spiritual housewarming gifts
• Prayer corners and devotional altars
• Baptisms, name days, and feast days
🌍 Ships worldwide with secure packaging
Our icons are made by Orthodox craftsmen in Portugal.
We hope it will be a good gift for you and your loved ones.
