Saint Nilus of Stolobny Icon (Nil Stolobensky) - Wooden orthodox icon.

Saint Nilus of Stolobny - Venerable Nil Stolobensky. 

Saint Nilus of Stolobny was born into a peasant family in a small village of the Novgorod Diocese. In 1505, he took monastic vows at the monastery of Venerable Savva Krypetsky near Pskov. After ten years of ascetic life in the monastery, he withdrew to the Seremlya River near Ostashkov, where he lived in strict solitude for 13 years, enduring demonic temptations in the form of phantoms and wild beasts.

As people from nearby villages sought his guidance, Nil, desiring seclusion, prayed for a place of solitude. One day, after fervent prayer, he heard a voice: "Nil! Go to Lake Seliger. On Stolobny Island, you will find salvation!" Guided by this revelation, he reached the island and was struck by its beauty.

Settling in the dense forest at the lake’s center, Nil dug a cave and later built a small hut, where he lived for 26 years. His ascetic feats included extreme fasting and perpetual vigilance—he never lay down to sleep, resting only briefly while leaning on hooks fixed in the wall of his cell.

The saint’s holy life provoked the enemy’s envy, manifesting through human hostility. Once, an unknown arsonist set fire to the island’s forest, but the flames miraculously stopped at the hill where Nil lived. Another time, robbers broke into his hut. He told them, "All my treasure is in the corner of my cell," where only an icon of the Theotokos stood. The thieves, struck blind, repented in tears, begging for his forgiveness.

Nil’s miracles were numerous. He rejected offerings from those with impure hearts or bodily uncleanness. Foreseeing his death, he prepared his own coffin. Shortly before his repose, a nearby monastery’s abbot visited and administered the Holy Mysteries. Afterward, Nil prayed, censed his icons and cell, and peacefully surrendered his soul to God on December 7, 1554.

His veneration grew, and in 1667, his incorrupt relics were discovered and enshrined in the Church of the Sign in Ostashkov, with his feast days established on May 27 and December 7.

Years later, a hermit named Herman and a pilgrim named Boris settled on the island, founding a monastery dedicated to Nil. The monks of Orshin Monastery painted an icon of the saint, and miraculous healings occurred at his grave. Archbishop Nektarios of Siberia later initiated the construction of a stone church, during which Nil’s relics were miraculously uncovered, leading to his formal glorification.

🖼 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.