Saint Sophia

The Story Behind this Icon: Saint Sophia and her daughters openly confessed their Christian faith and were eventually denounced to the Emperor. Brought to Rome for trial, Hadrian marveled at the beauty of Saint Sophia, but realizing she was beyond his flattery, put each of her daughters on trial separately. Saint Sophia’s efforts as a mother were rewarded as each of her faithful daughters refused to honor the pagan gods and, with her encouragement to place their faith in Christ the Heavenly Bridegroom, accepted the crown of martyrdom after torture and beheading. Hadrian, intending to make Saint Sophia suffer more, permitted her to take the bodies of her daughters. She placed their remains in coffins and reverently buried them on the top of a hill, sitting by their graves for three days and giving up her soul to God. Even though Saint Sophia did not suffer in the flesh for Christ, she was granted the crown of martyrdom for the suffering she endured in her heart. *** 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. 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.