Saint Elias Ardounis the New Martyr of Kalamata

Orthodox icon of Saint Elias Ardounis the New Martyr of Kalamata 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 a special varnish to keep the colors undiluted in time and humidity. Hanging clip included on the back of the icon.

St. Elias was a barber in Kalamata and much respected for his experience in political affairs by the Turkish officials. One day, when the Turkish officials had come to see him, Elias urged them to reduce the taxation on Christians, or many would be led to deny their Christian faith and become Muslim merely to be relieved financially. The discussion grew heated and Elias declared jokingly that he was inclined to deny his faith in return for a fez. One of the Turks took him at his word and handed him the headgear and Elias adhered to Islam. Not long after, he was moved to repentance and traveled to Mount Athos. There he found a spiritual father and confessed his apostasy and acknowledge Orthodoxy. He became a monk and lived on Mount Athos for 8 years. Elias returned to Kalamata and made his presence known by walking around the bazaars of the Turks. When he was called Moustafa, he responded he was no longer Moustafa but an Orthodox Christian. The Turks in turn struck and pushed him, and dragged him to the judge. He confessed Christ and he was imprisoned and shackled in chains for many days. He was condemned to be burned to death in a slow fire. When he was thrown into the pile of green wood, he was suffocated immediately and his hair, beard and monastic cassock were left miraculously untouched by the flames. His feast day is on January 31 and on Sunday of the Holy Myrrhbearers and is the patron saint of barbers and hairdressers.