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SAINT IRENE CHRYSOVALANTOU

Code: S660
Available Dimensions
  • 13x10 cm || 5 1/8 x 3 7/8 "
  • 19x15 cm || 7 1/2 x 5 7/8 "
Description Saint Irene was an Abbess in the Monastery of Chrysovalantou during the second half of the 9th century and the early 10th century. During her childhood, the 100 years of the Iconoclastic period reached its last phase. Her father was the patrician Philaret the Cappadocian, favorite of the Emperor Theophilus, and trusty husband of Theodora. In the winter of 843 AD, the Empress Theodora, a widow and guardian to her son Michael III, called Philaret in Constantinople and asked that his daughter marry her son Michael. The 15 years old Irene did not accept her father’s offer, as she had craved the monastic life since childhood. She denied once again her father's request to marry . However after a serious illness her father no longer objected to her decision. She went to the Monastery of Chrysovalantou, where she lived as a nun and Abbot until the age of 104. The reputation of her holy life led crowds of people on pilgrimages to her sacred relics. The original icon, the source of inspiration for the hagiographer, is located in the Holy Monastery of the Saints Raphael, Nicholas & Irene in Mytilene.

Silkscreen icon, crafted on canvas with gold background.