Saint Nicholas, a fourth century Bishop of Myra in Lycia region of Asia Minor is one of the most popular Saints in the Byzantine World and Old Rus. He is the protector of the weak, the poor, the captives, and the seafarers. Across the top of the icon is written in Old Slavonic, “Saint Nicholas the Wonder Worker”. His right hand bestows a blessing upon us holding the fingers in such a manner as to represent the Greek letters, IC-XC, the first and last letters of the name Jesus Christ. He holds a Gospel in his left hand. The half length figures of Christ and The Virgin in the background are associated with the legend of the miracle that occurred at the time of the Council of Nicea in 325 when Saint Nicholas slapped the face of Arian the heretic. For this act Saint Nicholas was stripped of his office and was incarcerated in a dungeon; however, while there, Christ and The Virgin appeared to him and restored to him his symbols of his office; the Gospel book and the omophorion. The Gospel book is opened to the text (Luke 6:17) The Great Discourse known as The Beatitudes. “And he came down with them, and stood on the plain...”

This Antique Russian Icon was painted in the 19th Century, and the artist used Egg tempera on wood. This Icon is from Central Russia and the size is 12" x 14". It is a gorgeous piece and has been preserved very well. The icon is 100% original and comes with a certificate of authenticity.