Saint Athanasios the Great

Saint Athanasios the Great was born in Alexandria, Egypt, in 296 AD during the reign of the Tetrarchy, with Diocletian in the East and Maximian in the West. Athanasios was highly intelligent and educated in the finest traditions of Hellenistic and Roman schooling, having a uniquely strong understanding of the Holy Scriptures.  Athanasios demonstrated early on an affinity for the Faith. He was witnessed "baptizing" his fellow children by then-Patriarch Alexander. The Patriarch commanded the children and their parents be brought to him, where he determined that the baptism performed by Athanasios was indeed legitimate - he had spoken the exact words used in the baptism sacrament - and completed it with the sacrament of chrismation. From then on, Patriarch Alexander looked after the spiritual upbringing and development of Athanasios, tonsuring him a reader and later ordaining him a deacon. At this time, as a deacon, Saint Athanasios accompanied Patriarch Alexander to the First Ecumenical Council in Nicea in 325 AD to fight the Arian heresy. Saint Athanasios was honored with the privilege of speaking at the Council, impressing the Orthodox members of the council. Conversely, Athanasios identified himself to the Arians as a formidable bulwark for Orthodoxy, one they would never be able to overcome.  Though Arius, the arch-heretic, had been condemned by the First Council, his supporters had convinced Saint and Emperor Constantine the Great that Arius should be received back into the communion of the church. Saint Athanasios flatly refused to give the divine mystery to Arius, discerning what was in the heretic's heart by the grace of God.  Athanasios was exiled a grand total of five times, persecuted by imperial authorities relentlessly, using the opportunities the strengthen the faith of the communities in which he found himself. Aside from his tireless defense of Orthodoxy, Saint Athanasios wrote often, including a life of Saint Anthony the Great, founder of monasticism. Saint Athanasios the Great reposed in Christ in the year 373 AD during the reign of Valens.  *** 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. Subtle connecting lines and brush strokes may be visible on the gold leaves and are a testament to the artisan's hand, making each piece entirely unique.