Saint Alexander of Thessaloniki, the Dervish

Orthodox icon of Saint Alexander of Thessaloniki, the Dervish on thick plywood 20mm, which does not sting and keeps its shape over time. Preparation with acrylic stucco and have been used acrylic colors. It has been covered with varnish to keep the colors undiluted in time and humidity. Hanging clip included on the back of the icon.  

St. Alexander was born in Thessaloniki. In a young age Alexander went to Smyrna, trying to avoid the lusty intensions of a Turk. For unknown reasons to us, in this city Alexander denied his faith and became a Muslim. Later he visited the city of Mekka and entered the Order of the Dervisides. Controlled by his conscience, however, he pretended to be mad and under the guise of a Dervish, he toured for 18 years in enslaved countries fiercely checking the Turkish tyranny. Being in Chios, he fearlessly attended the holy services of the Great Lent in a Christian Church while still wearing the clothes of a dervish. From Chios he went to Smyrna and presented himself to the judge of the city to whom he courageously confessed that he had repented of his previous situation and was now returning to Christianity. In front of him he took off and trampled the clothes of the Dervish. They immediately threw him into prison from which they took him out three times trying by flattery and threats to bend his mind and his faith. Full of joy and courage, he bravely endured his martyrdom by beheading, on May 26, 1794.