Saint Artemios, Full Stature

The Story Behind this Icon: Saint Artemios was born in a highly respected family and was appointed Military Governor of Alexandria and Egypt by the Emperor Constantine the Great, around the year 330. His high rank in the military hierarchy did not stop him from practicing his faith. nor to spread Christianity all around Egypt. He was sent to Patra, Greece, by the Emperor Constantius (son and successor of Constantine the Great) to bring to Constantinople the holy relics of Saint Andrew. He was also the one who brought from Thebes to Constantinople the holy relics of the Apostle Luke. Julian the Apostate succeeded the Emperor Constantius and sought to restore paganism in the Empire during his reign of the years 361-363, sentencing hundreds of Christians to death. He made Antioch his headquarters and ordered all provincial Governors to meet with him. When Saint Artemios arrived in Antioch with his army, he found Julian trying to make two priests, Evgenios and Makarios, renounce their Christian faith. The two were exiled and later beheaded.  After that incident, Saint Artemios publicly rejected Julian's pagan policies and polytheistic religion and, for that reason, was thrown into prison. While imprisoned, he prayed and Christ along with His angels appeared to him and said "Take courage, Artemios! Since you have confessed Me before the people on earth, so shall I confess you before My Heavenly Father." Artemios took courage and rejoiced with those words. He was brought to  Emperor Julian who ordered his beheading on October 20, 362  for refusing to renounce Christ and honor the pagan gods.  To this day, Saint Artemios is invoked by those suffering from hernias and other similar diseases. He is remembered every year on October 20.  Saint Artemios is most often depicted with his military uniform.  *** 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. Made in Greece by Artis Iconography Works for Athonite, exclusive distributor for the USA and Canada.