Saint Martin

The Story Behind this Icon: Saint Martin was born in Pannonia (modern-day Hungary) in 316 AD. His father was an officer in the Roman legions and thus Martin also served in the army, albeit unwillingly as he considered himself a soldier for Christ. One winter, Saint Martin saw a beggar shivering in the cold, and cut his cloak in two to give half to the beggar. (This scene is depicted in our Holy Icon where Saint Martin, astride his horse, extends his sword so as to cut his cloak for the beggar.) That night, Jesus Christ appeared to Martin wearing his cloak, and Martin heard Christ say to the angels around Him, “Martin is only a catechumen, but he has clothed Me with this garment.” Saint Martin was baptized soon thereafter. Saint Martin left the legions for religious reasons after the barbarian invasions of Gaul. He travelled to various places across the Empire, spending some time as a hermit on an island off the Italian peninsula. After several years of ascetic life, Saint Martin was chosen as Bishop of Tours in 371 AD though, as bishop, he did not give up his monastic lifestyle, and the place where he settled outside Tours became a monastery. He is regarded the founder of monasticism in France. He is called the Merciful because of his generosity and care for the poor and he received the grace to work miracles. Saint Martin reposed in Christ in 397 AD and many churches in the West were dedicated to him. *** 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.