Saint Basil, a hieromartyr of the 11th century, pursued a life of asceticism in the Near Caves of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, a major center of Eastern Orthodox Christianity. A close companion of Saint Theodore, Basil lived in the Varangian Cave, practicing strict temperance. When Theodore struggled with regret over giving away his wealth, Basil offered spiritual guidance, encouraging him to focus on eternal rewards. Their bond was tested when a demonic illusion tempted Theodore with hidden treasure, but Basil’s return dispelled the deception. In 1098, Prince Mstislav Svyatopolkovich, driven by greed, tortured Basil and Theodore over a rumored treasure. … More

In Orthodox tradition, newlyweds are presented by their family with two matching icons - one of Christ and the other of the Theotokos to remind them of the commitment they made before God and serve as the spiritual center of family prayer. The icons depict Our Lady of Kazan and Christ Pantocrator and are housed in an original glass-fronted frame of carved wood. 

Saint Paraskevi of Iconium (also known as Paraskeva Pyatnitsa) is venerated as a Christian virgin martyr. Her parents were Christian, and Paraskevi was named as such (the name means “Friday” in Greek) because she was baptized on a Friday and because Friday was the day of Christ's Passion. She became a preacher, and according to tradition, converted Emperor Antoninus Pius to Christianity, but, subsequently martyred at Iconium during the persecutions of Diocletian. Saint Paraskevi-Pyatnitsa developed a personality and functions of her own on Russian soil. She is traditionally depicted as an ascetic figure wearing the red of martyrdom. She holds … More

The icon depicts Christ's Anastasis (Resurrection) surrounded by twelve Major Orthodox Feasts: 1. Nativity of the Most Holy Mother of God 2. Presentation of the Theotokos at the Temple 3. The Annunciation 4. Nativity of Christ/Christmas 5. Baptism of Christ - Theophany, also called Epiphany 6. The Transfiguration of Christ 7. Exaltation of the Holy Cross 8. The Dormition of the Most Holy Mother of God 9. The Old Testament Trinity 10. The Ascension of Christ 11. Christ's Entry into Jerusalem 12. Presentation of Jesus at the Temple   

Known as Synaxaria (monthly), twelve monthly panels of the Calendar icons are exhibited in the Orthodox church one at a time on a special lectern called the analogion and depict images of saints arranged chronologically according to their feast days in alteration with the movable liturgical feasts as they distributed in the Orthodox calendar for one specific month.  Although, most saints are represented standing, martyrs are usually depicted at the moment of their martyrdom. The images are arranged in four rows, each row signifying a calendar week of a month with portraits of saints venerated during this week. The layout … More

A Staurotheke icon, meaning "Holder of the Cross" in Greek, is a sacred wooden icon, often associated with Old Believers. It features a central brass crucifix, set into a gessoed wood panel, depicting the Crucifixion. Surrounding the cross is a painted scenes of the five mourners: on the left - the Virgin Mary, St. Mary Magdalene, and on the right - St. John the Apostel and St. Longinus the Centurian, with the walls of Jerusalem behind them. 

The icon depicts Christ's Anastasis (Resurrection) surrounded by twelve Major Orthodox Feasts: 1. Nativity of the Most Holy Mother of God 2. Presentation of the Theotokos at the Temple 3. The Annunciation 4. Nativity of Christ/Christmas 5. Baptism of Christ - Theophany, also called Epiphany 6. The Transfiguration of Christ 7. Exaltation of the Holy Cross 8. The Dormition of the Most Holy Mother of God 9. The Old Testament Trinity 10. The Ascension of Christ 11. Christ's Entry into Jerusalem 12. Presentation of Jesus at the Temple   

Saint John the Warrior or John the Soldier in the Catholic Church is a Christian saint and martyr. He was born in the 4th century and lived until his death in the Byzantine Empire. Forced by Julian the Apostate to serve as a warrior against Christianity, he was imprisoned after being caught helping people in need or defending Christians, and awaited there his death penalty. However, John the Warrior was released after the death of the emperor during a war. The Warrior is always depicted as having dark hair and a beard, as well as wearing a weskit, trousers, boots, … More

Saint Zenaida of Tarsus, a first-century Christian saint, was born into a prominent Jewish family in Tarsus, Cilicia, and was a relative of the Apostle Paul. With her sister Philonella, she studied philosophy and medicine, becoming one of the first Christian physicians after Luke the Evangelist. After converting to Christianity through their cousin Jason, Bishop of Tarsus, they established a clinic in Thessaly, offering free medical care to the poor. Zenaida focused on pediatric and psychiatric care, blending faith and healing. Martyred by stoning for their faith, they are commemorated on October 11.

Greatmartyr Panteleimon (or Pantaleon) was the Unmercenary Healer martyred under the reign of Emperor Maximian (ca. 305 A.D.). Saint Panteleimon had been educated as a physician and dedicated his life to the suffering, the sick, the unfortunate, and the needy. He treated all those who turned to him without charge, healing them in the name of Jesus Christ. He visited those held captive in prison. These were usually Christians, and he healed them of their wounds. Saint Panteleimon is venerated in the Orthodox Church as a mighty saint and the protector of soldiers. This aspect of his veneration is derived … More