The Seven Sleepers of Ephesus icon

Icon of the Seven Holy Youths of Ephesus (Seven Sleepers), with the Guardian Angel and St. Mary of Egypt on the margins

This sacred icon depicts the Seven Holy Youths of Ephesus (Seven Sleepers of Ephesus) — Maximilian, Jamblichus, Martinian, John, Dionysius, Exacustodian (Constantine), and Antoninus — whose miraculous story is one of the most awe-inspiring testimonies to the Resurrection of the dead preserved in Orthodox tradition. For faithful Orthodox Christians, this icon is a reminder of God’s absolute power over life, death, and time itself. The margins of the icon feature the Guardian Angel and St. Mary of Egypt, strengthening the theme of repentance, purity, and divine protection.

In the 3rd century, during the persecution of Emperor Decius, these seven noble young men openly confessed Christ and fled to a cave on Mount Ochlon to prepare for martyrdom. When the emperor ordered the cave to be sealed, the youths were not killed; instead, by God’s mercy, they fell into a miraculous sleep that lasted nearly 200 years. Their awakening during the reign of Emperor Theodosius the Younger became a powerful divine sign affirming the future Resurrection and refuting heresies of that time. Their uncorrupted bodies and the ancient tablets found in the stones of the cave became a visible testimony to God’s promise of eternal life.

This icon is treasured by believers as a symbol of steadfast faith, hope in Christ’s Second Coming, and confidence in the Resurrection. It is ideal for prayer corners, chapels, or as a meaningful spiritual gift. The presence of St. Mary of Egypt and the Guardian Angel makes the icon especially comforting for those seeking repentance, purity of heart, and heavenly protection. For Orthodox Christians, the Seven Sleepers stand as shining witnesses to the truth that “with God all things are possible,” even the overcoming of death itself.

🖼 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.