Saint Theodore of Byzantium the New Martyr

Orthodox icon of Saint Theodore of Byzantium the New Martyr 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. Theodore was born in 1774 in a village near Constantinople. He was apprenticed to a Christian painter employed in the palace of Sultan Selim; but the lure of the pleasure and luxury of the court led him to adhere to Islam. After 3 years a dreadful visitation of the plague made Theodore realize the vanity of worldly pleasures. He fled from the palace in disguise and was reconciled to the Church by anointing with Holy Myron. He then took ship to Chios, where he spent some time under the direction of a spiritual father. After a time he went to the island of Mytilene, accompanied by a zealous brother. On Thursday of the first week of Great Lent he presented himself dressed as a Muslim before the judge. Boldly confessing his conversion, he tore off his green turban and trampled it underfoot. The judge took him for a fool and committed him to prison in chains and to beaten him. The following day, after a second court appearance, he was taken back to prison and beaten 300 times on the soles of his feet. A gang of 15 Muslims tortured Theodore and left him half dead. He was sentenced to death by hanging. He is considered the patron saint of the island of Mytilene. His feast day is on February 17.