Icon - Paraskeva - Wood

This icon represents Santa Paráskeva (in Greek Παρασκευή), a highly venerated saint in the Orthodox Church, especially in Russia, the Balkans, Greece, and Bulgaria.

Santa Paráskeva of Iconium (or Paráskeva of Rome)

Christian martyr of the second century

His name means 'Friday' in Greek because, according to tradition, he was born on a Friday, a day dedicated to the Passion of Christ.

He predicted Christianity and was tortured by Roman authorities for refusing to renounce his faith.

He died a martyr, which is why he is often depicted holding a cross in his hand, symbolizing his sacrifice.

She is considered the patron of:

Home and family

Health

Women and female work

Merchants and markets (in Russia, known as Paraskeva Piatnitsa and related to market days)

It is also invoked against:

Eye diseases

Problems in marriage

Matching icon details

Cross in the hand → symbol of martyrdom

Scroll or parchment → her role as a preacher.

Inscription: the name in ecclesiastical Slavic next to the halo.

Dark clothing with a cloak indicates an ascetic life.