Saint Marina

The Story Behind this Icon: Saint Marina was born in what is now modern-day Pisidia, Turkey, living in the late third and early fourth centuries, notably during the reign of Diocletian the persecutor of Christians. As a child, Marina learned the Christian faith from her nursemaid and while still a teenager, made a vow of perpetual chastity to God, resulting in being disowned by her pagan father. The imperial governor of the region, Olymbrios, met Marina and, awed by her beauty, propositioned her for marriage. Refusing the advances of the official, Marina likewise did not hide her Christian faith, refusing the flattery of the governor and rejecting the temptation of worldly glory. Olymbrios handed Marina over to torturers, consistent with Diocletian's policy towards Christians, beating, raking, piercing and boiling the Saint. Despite these efforts, Marina remained steadfast in her love for Christ. One feat distinguishing Saint Marina is that Satan himself appeared to her to attempt to break her faith. Three times, in three forms, Satan tried to conquer Saint Marina and all three times failed to overcome the Saint by virtue of the power of the Cross. In many icons of Saint Marina, she is therefore depicted beating the devil, either in the form of a serpent or a dark horned man, with a hammer. Seeing that no torture could overcome Saint Marina, the governor ordered her beheaded at the age of fifteen or sixteen. Saint Marina is commemorated on July 17.  *** 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.