Seven Holy Youths of Ephesus (Seven Sleepers of Ephesus)
This sacred icon of the Seven Holy Youths of Ephesus, also known as the Seven Sleepers of Ephesus, beautifully depicts one of the most miraculous testimonies of the early Christian Church — the divine revelation of the future resurrection of the dead.
The Seven Youths — Maximilian, Jamblichus, Martinian, John, Dionysius, Exacustodian (Constantine), and Antoninus — lived in the 3rd century during the persecution of Christians under Emperor Decius. All seven were young men from noble Ephesian families and served in the Roman military. When they refused to renounce Christ and offer sacrifice to pagan gods, they went into the mountain cave of Ochlon, preparing themselves in prayer for the coming martyrdom. The youngest, Jamblichus, would secretly go into the city dressed as a beggar to bring bread for the others.
When Decius returned to Ephesus, the place of their hiding was discovered, and the entrance to the cave was sealed with stones so the youths would die inside. Two secret Christians among the officials placed a sealed box in the stonework, recording the names and the story of the seven martyrs for future generations.
But God performed a miracle: instead of death, He sent them a deep, holy sleep that lasted nearly 200 years. During the reign of Emperor Theodosius the Younger, when heresies denying the resurrection of the dead had begun to spread, the Lord awakened the Seven Youths as a visible witness to the truth of the future resurrection. Their bodies and clothing were completely incorrupt, as if no time had passed. When Jamblichus went to buy bread, he was astonished to hear Christ glorified openly, to see the sign of the Cross on the city gates, and to discover that the world around him had changed.
The Ephesian bishop, clergy, and people followed Jamblichus to the cave, where they opened the sealed box and read the ancient inscriptions recording the youths’ first confession and suffering. Seeing the Seven Youths alive, everyone glorified God, understanding that this miracle was revealed to strengthen the Church in the truth of the resurrection. The emperor himself came to speak with them, and shortly afterward the youths peacefully inclined their heads to the ground and fell asleep again — this time until the Last Day. Their holy relics remained in the cave, where the Russian pilgrim Abbot Daniel still saw them in the 12th century.
The memory of the Seven Holy Youths is celebrated twice: August 4 and October 22, and they are also remembered in the service for the Church New Year on September 1. This icon is treasured by believers who seek steadfastness in faith, comfort in trials, and hope in the final triumph of Christ over death.
🖼 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.
