Icon - Saint Charalambos - Wood

A rare old Byzantine icon depicting Saint Charalambos (also Charalampus), a Christian martyr and bishop of Magnesia. The Greek inscription at the top identifies him as "Ο ΑΓΙΟΣ ΧΑΡΑΛΑΜΠΟΣ" The Saint Charalambos (also Russian: Священномученик Харалампий).

Hand-painted on wood

Dimensions: 30 x 22 cm

Saint Charalambos is traditionally depicted as an older man with a long white beard, in episcopal vestments (Omophorion with crosses). In his left hand he holds an ornate Gospel book. The small, dark figure in his right hand often represents a personification of the plague or an illness he has defeated, as he is revered as the patron saint against contagious diseases.

In Russian sources he is often explicitly regarded and portrayed as a bishop (Hieromartyr).
In Bulgaria he is particularly popular as the patron of beekeepers.
In Romania several churches also bear his name, for example in Iași.
Generally it is recognized by the entire Orthodox community.
The depiction follows the traditional Byzantine or Greek school, recognizable by the flat painting style, the halo, and the solemn, frontal posture of the saint.

From my private collection

The ancient icon is in good condition with signs of age.

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