The Story Behind This Icon: Saint Eleftherios was born in Rome to noble parents. His mother Anthia (also a Saint, celebrated the same day) heard the Gospel from the great Apostle Paul and was baptized by him. Due to Anthia's zeal for Christ, Saint Eleftherios grew up illumined by the grace of God. Saint Eleftherios was ordained a deacon at fifteen, a priest at eighteen and a bishop at twenty. Emperor Hadrian, a notorious advocate of paganism and persecutor of Christians, sent a centurion named Felix to seize Saint Eleftherios and bring him to Rome for execution. Felix arrived to arrest Saint Eleftherios while the Saint was giving a sermon and was captivated by Saint Eleftherios's brilliant oratory and love for Christ. Felix's heart changed and he was baptized a Christian. However, Saint Eleftherios did not flee martyrdom, instead returning to Rome with Felix, joyfully as if he were going to a feast, and not to a trial and torture. The blessed Felix was beheaded for his conversion and thereafter Saint Eleftherios was martyred as a Witness of Christ. Saint Eleftherios is the protector of the expectant mothers and childbirth. His feast day is celebrated on December 15. *** This icon of Saint Eleftherios is reproduced, with permission, from the authentic icon painted by the monks in the Cell of St. John the Theologian Holy Monastery of Koutloumousiou in Mount Athos, Greece. This icon is part of our collection "Icons from Mount Athos, which features all icons from the Cell of St. John the Theologian. This icon is made of solid, natural limewood (Tilia) that has been prepared by hand using traditional methods and organic materials. The background is comprised of 22 Karat gold leaves that were meticulously applied by hand, piece by piece.All of our icons are reproduced according to museum print standards and are authentic replicas of Holy Icons from Mount Athos and elsewhere. Learn more about how our Holy Icons are made here.
