The Four Holy Evangelists - Icon of the Holy Apostles Matthew, Mark, Luke and John

This richly composed icon presents the four Holy Evangelists together in a single sacred image. All four are depicted holding open Gospels or scrolls — the living Word they were chosen to carry to the world — and each is accompanied by his traditional symbolic figure, drawn from the vision of the Prophet Ezekiel and echoed in the Book of Revelation.

The Evangelists and their symbols:

John the Theologian (upper left) is accompanied by an eagle — the symbol of the heights of divine contemplation. His Gospel soars above the earthly and historical, opening with the eternal Word: "In the beginning was the Word." The eagle gazes into the sun without blinking; John gazes into the mystery of God without flinching.

Matthew (upper right) is accompanied by a winged man or angel — for his Gospel opens with the human genealogy of Christ, tracing His descent from Abraham and David. Matthew's vision is of the Incarnate God, fully human, rooted in history and the promises made to Israel.

Luke (lower left) is accompanied by a winged ox — the ancient symbol of sacrifice and priestly service. Luke's Gospel begins in the Temple with the priest Zechariah, and throughout emphasizes the sacrificial, merciful, and compassionate nature of Christ's ministry. Luke is also venerated as the first iconographer, having painted the earliest image of the Mother of God.

Mark (lower right) is accompanied by a winged lion — the symbol of strength, courage, and the voice crying in the wilderness. Mark's Gospel is the shortest and most urgent, opening immediately with John the Baptist's proclamation. The lion also evokes the Resurrection: ancient tradition held that lion cubs were born dead and brought to life on the third day by their father's roar.

Together these four symbols — eagle, angel, ox, and lion — form what the Church calls the Tetramorph, the fourfold living creature of heavenly vision that surrounds the throne of God. They remind us that the four Gospels, though distinct in voice and emphasis, form a single harmonious witness to the one Lord Jesus Christ.

Why this icon belongs in the home:

This icon is a profound presence in any home where the Scriptures are read and loved. It is a natural gift for students of theology, clergy, readers and chanters, teachers, and anyone who desires a deeper relationship with the Word of God. It also serves as a beautiful reminder that the Good News was entrusted to real human witnesses — men who wrote, traveled, suffered, and gave their lives so that the Gospel might reach every corner of the world, including ours.

🖼 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.