Saint Olga and Saint Andrew Stratelates and Icon of the Mother of God "Unexpected Joy"

Saint Olga of Kiev, Equal-to-the-Apostles and Saint Andrew Stratelates before the Icon of the Mother of God "Unexpected Joy". Wooden orthodox icon.

Original icon: 19th century

This icon of Saint Olga, Equal-to-the-Apostles and the first Christian ruler of Rus’, reflects the profound spiritual strength of a woman who transformed an entire nation by her faith. After the death of her husband, Prince Igor, Saint Olga governed the early Russian state with wisdom and courage, later receiving holy baptism under the name Helena. Her acceptance of Christianity became the first ray of Gospel light over the land of Rus’, preparing the way for the future Baptism of the nation under her grandson, Saint Vladimir.

For believers, Saint Olga is a powerful intercessor. She is prayed to for the strengthening of Christian faith within families, for the protection of the homeland from visible and invisible enemies, and for the gift of wisdom in leadership and decision-making. She is also lovingly venerated as the patroness of widows, offering comfort and spiritual support to those carrying the burden of loss.

This icon is a meaningful reminder of steadfast faith, inner courage, and the transforming power of divine grace. It makes a beautiful addition to any prayer corner or as a thoughtful gift to inspire spiritual strength and perseverance.

The Holy Martyr Andrew Stratelates of Tarsus was a Roman military commander under Emperor Maximian. During the war with Syria, Saint Andrew was given the title of "stratelates," that is, commander-in-chief. Having chosen a small detachment, Saint Andrew set out against the enemy. His soldiers were pagans, and he himself had not yet accepted Baptism, but believed in Christ. Before the battle, Saint Andrew convinced the soldiers that the pagan gods were demons, and preached to them the true God. With faith in God's help, a small detachment of soldiers put the numerous Persian army to flight.

When Saint Andrew returned from the campaign with victory, many began to envy his glory and reported to the ruler Antiochus that the saint was a Christian who had converted his subordinate soldiers to Christ. The saint, summoned to trial, confessed Christ, for which he was subjected to torture. The soldiers who were with him were crucified on trees, but not one of them renounced Christ.

Then the emperor, fearing a mutiny of the army, released St. Andrew and his retinue, but secretly ordered that each of them be executed separately under some pretext. Having been freed, the saint and his soldiers came to the city of Tarsus, where they were baptized, and then were killed in the gorge of the Taurus. Before his death, St. Andrew prayed for all who would honor their memory, and asked the Lord to send people a healing spring at the place where their blood would be spilled. During this prayer, the martyrs were beheaded with a sword. And at that very moment, a spring flowed from the ground.

Bishops Peter and Non, who baptized the soldiers, buried the bodies of the martyrs together with a cleric. One of the clerics, who had long suffered from an evil spirit, drank from the spring and was immediately healed. Word of this spread among the local residents, and they began to come to the spring and, through the prayers of St. Andrew and the 2,593 martyrs, received gracious help from God.

The martyrdom of the saints occurred around 302.

🖼 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.