Venerable Abbot saint Joseph of Volotsk (Volokolamsk). Wooden orthodox icon.
Around the year 1459, when he was about twenty years old, the saint accepted the angelic monastic vows. He went to Borovsk, to the monastery of Saint Paphnutius, where for eighteen years he lived in humble obedience under the guidance of this great elder. His aged father also came to the monastery and shared a cell with him; for fifteen years Saint Joseph served him with loving care and true filial piety.
After the repose of Saint Paphnutius in 1477, the monk Joseph, renowned for his spiritual discernment and unwavering devotion, was appointed abbot of the monastery.
In the monastery he later founded, life was ordered by the strictest monastic rule. The saint himself wore only a worn, simple cassock, preserving complete poverty of spirit. During times of famine, the brethren—guided by his example—gave away all their provisions to the suffering people around them, and even purchased bread with the monastery’s last means to feed the hungry.
Not without reason did Saint Joseph become known as a steadfast pillar of Russian monasticism. He sought nothing for himself—neither riches nor earthly honour, nor even influence at court. His words and deeds were always directed toward the defense of the Orthodox faith, the protection of the Church, and the spiritual strengthening of his monastic brothers. He was a true monk, one who rejected every earthly comfort for the sake of Christ. His all-Russian veneration was established in 1589. He is glorified as a model ascetic, a fearless exposer of heresies, and a wondrous miracle-worker.
The holy relics—and the chains worn by him in ascetic struggle—now rest in the Dormition Cathedral of the Joseph-Volokolamsk Monastery.
At the bottom of the icon is written the magnification of the saint:
Magnification:
We bless you, O Father Joseph, and we honor your holy memory, teacher of monks and companion of angels.
🖼 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.
