The Story Behind This Icon: This Holy Icon depicts the Apostle Timothy, to whom were written the Apostle Paul's First and Second Epistles to Timothy. Saint Timothy was born of a Greek pagan father and a Jewish mother in Lystra of Lycaonia in Asia Minor (modern-day south-central Turkey). His mother's name was Eunice, and his grandmother's name was Lois (II Tim. 1:5). He became the disciple of the Apostle Paul in the year 52 A.D. when the latter first preached in Lystra, and he followed Saint Paul during the whole period of the Apostle's preaching. Afterwards, Timothy was consecrated by him as the first Bishop of the Church in Ephesus. Under the supervision of Saint John the Evangelist, who governed all the churches in Asia, he completed his life as a martyr in the year 97 A.D. He was stoned to death by the pagans, because, as some surmise, he opposed the festival held in honor of Artemis (Diana in Latin). In Russian practice, the back of a priest’s cross is often inscribed with Saint Paul’s words to Saint Timothy: “Be an example to the believers in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity” (1 Tim. 4:12). Saint Timothy’s feast day is celebrated on January 22. ***This icon is made of solid, natural limewood (Tilia) that has been prepared by hand using traditional methods and organic materials. The background consists 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.
