Unusual icon depicts Saint Elder Grigory Yefimovich Rasputin and Tsarevich Alexei Romanov
A copy of the myrrh-streaming icon, painted with the blessing of the great elder Nikolai Guryanov by the artist Sergey Arsenyev (Monk Grigory).
The saint appeared in this form to Sergey (Monk Grigory) near the cell of Father Nikolai Guryanov while he was waiting in line to see him on Zalita Island. Upon entering the cell, he told Father Nikolai about the vision. To this, the elder replied that he should paint the image exactly as he saw it, without adding anything of his own.
Grigory Rasputin met Emperor Nicholas II of Russia during a difficult time for the country: strikes, revolutionary movements, and conspiracies against the monarchy were spreading. The Freemasons and the liberal intelligentsia contributed to the dissemination of ideas that undermined autocracy. In this environment, the Tsar sought support from the people, and Grigory Rasputin, possessing the gift of prayer and spiritual discernment, became a close friend of the Romanov family. He prayed for Tsarevich Alexei, who suffered from hemophilia (a blood clotting disorder), and repeatedly saved his life. Rasputin also warned the Tsar about state threats and tried to prevent Russia’s involvement in the world war. The enemies of the monarchy slandered and demonized him in an attempt to destroy the union between the Tsar and his spiritual advisor.
God granted him the gift of foresight, healing, and deep prayer. Thanks to the elder, the entire family was prepared for their future martyrdom. None of the children renounced their faith; all accepted suffering willingly. Elder Grigory Yefimovich Rasputin had special concern for the Tsarevich, helping him endure his terrible illness. At times, during attacks, it seemed the young boy would die, but the elder’s prayer sustained and revived him each time. The Imperial family deeply revered him and sincerely believed in the sanctity of Grigory Rasputin.
Watch the stunning film “Martyr for Christ and the Tsar: Grigory the New”, which tells the truth about the life of the spiritual elder, who was slandered, ritually murdered, and yet found grace with the Lord in His Kingdom.
Grigory Rasputin is depicted in monastic attire with a black klobuk, on which a cross is visible. He holds a golden cross and a lit candle in his hands, symbolizing spiritual light and sacrifice. Tsarevich Alexei, the son of the last Emperor Nicholas II, is presented as an innocent child. He holds a small cross, symbolizing his faith and destiny. The golden halos above their heads indicate their veneration as martyrs.
The inscriptions on the icon read:
“Holy Great Martyr Grigory”
“Holy Great Martyr Tsarevich Alexei”
This emphasizes their depiction as saints, although the Russian Orthodox Church has not canonized Grigory Rasputin, while the Imperial family (including Alexei) was glorified as passion bearers.
This icon represents a modern artistic reinterpretation, reflecting worldwide repentance for the holy innocent martyrs.
However, in official Orthodox tradition, Rasputin is not recognized as a saint, and such images remain part of private veneration. This icon is intended for home devotion only.
The icon is made by printing on a wooden board (mdf). Paints are mineral, do not fade with time. The thickness of the board is 1,6 cm. The board is covered with primer. The image is covered with wax. Each icon has a metal mount on the back side so that you can hang the icon on the wall.
Our icons are made by Orthodox craftsmen.
We hope it will be a good gift for you and your loved ones.
