Icon of Saint Simeon the God-Receiver with the Infant Jesus Christ

Saint Righteous Simeon the God-Receiver, with Jesus Christ. Wooden orthodox icon.

This sacred Orthodox icon depicts Saint Simeon the God-Receiver (Simeon the Theodochos) holding the Divine Infant Jesus in his arms—one of the most moving and meaningful moments in the New Testament. Saint Simeon is described by the Evangelist Luke as a righteous and devout man, waiting for the consolation of Israel, upon whom the Holy Spirit rested (Luke 2:25). He had received a divine promise: he would not see death until he beheld the long-awaited Messiah.

Ancient tradition tells that during the reign of Ptolemy II Philadelphus (285–247 B.C.), 72 Jewish scholars were invited to Alexandria to translate the Scriptures into Greek—the future Septuagint. Among them was Saint Simeon. While translating the Book of Isaiah, Simeon hesitated over the prophecy: “Behold, a Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son” (Isaiah 7:14). Believing “Virgin” to be a scribal error, he attempted to change it to “Woman.” Suddenly an angel stopped his hand, declaring that the prophecy was true and that Simeon himself would live to witness its fulfillment.

From that moment, Simeon waited faithfully for the coming of Christ.

Forty days after the Nativity, led by the Holy Spirit, Saint Simeon entered the Jerusalem Temple. At that very moment, the Most Pure Virgin Mary and righteous Joseph came to present the Divine Child according to the Law. Recognizing Him by divine revelation, Simeon took the Christ Child into his arms and proclaimed the words that became the cherished hymn of the Church—the Song of Simeon (Nunc Dimittis):

“Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace,
according to Thy word;
for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation,
which Thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples—
a light to enlighten the Gentiles,
and the glory of Thy people Israel.”

Simeon blessed the Holy Family and foretold the sorrows that would pierce the Virgin Mother’s heart. The Prophetess Anna likewise glorified God and proclaimed the coming of the Redeemer.

Holy Tradition tells us that Saint Simeon lived to the extraordinary age of 360 years, preserved by divine promise until he welcomed Christ the Savior. His relics were later transferred to Constantinople, where they were venerated by the faithful.

This icon captures the profound moment when the Old Covenant meets the New—when the hope of all generations is fulfilled in the arms of a righteous elder. It is a powerful reminder of unwavering faith, prophecy fulfilled, and the light of salvation revealed to all nations.

🖼 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.