Saints Nectarios and Theophanes the founders of Barlaam Monastery

Orthodox icon of Saints Nectarios and Theophanes, founders of Barlaam Monastery 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.   

The two saints were brothers and was born in Giannena after 1460. Their family were among the most important and aristocratic of Epirus, but they followed the ascetic life. The two brothers lived as monks on the island of Lake Pamvotis, having as their spiritual guide a holy elder named Savva. They stayed with him for 10 years and they were ordained priests by him. After his death the two brothers visited the Holy Monastery Dionysiou in Athos. There they met the ex-Patriarch Nifonas, who advised them to return to the island of Ioannina. But when they returned, they saw that other monks had taken over their hermitage. So they decided to build another sanctuary, erecting at the same time a church in memory of the Holy Forerunner. However, because they couldn't find peace there, they left the island in 1511 and came to Meteora. There they lived in the so-called Pillar of the Holy Forerunner. After struggling there for 7 years they attempted a new ascent on an inaccessible rock, called Petra of Barlaam. There the Saints found the foundations of the Church of the Three Hierarchs and managed to rebuild it. Other monks began to flock to this rock and so within a few years it became a monastery. Due to the number of ascetics, the two brothers built a new magnificent church in honor of All Saints, which was completed in 1544. Theophanes died in peace on May 17, 1544 and Nectarios on April 7, 1550. Their feast day is on May 17.