Patron Saint Icons
A patron saint is a person who has received salvation and resides in heaven, in close communion with the Holy Trinity and all the saints. Patron saints hear the personal prayers of those still living and intercede for their requests and needs, a relationship that can continue for a lifetime.
Understanding a patron saint
What is a patron saint?
A patron saint is someone whose eternal salvation has been accomplished, and who now rests in "Abraham's bosom." Patron saints can be monastics or people from secular life. They can be married, parents, grandparents, godparents, or anyone known to have been "saved." Saint Maria of Paris is one example.
How is a patron saint chosen?
Patron saints can be chosen in many ways.
For a whole family. Some are chosen very early and represent an entire family, such as the Serbian slava, which is passed from generation to generation.
Individually. Many people take the saint whose name they bear, or the saint of the day of the child's birth or baptism.
Through spiritual events. Some patrons come from profounder events such as the Annunciation or the Resurrection, or from the holy angels, as in the name Angelica.
In the western world it is customary to celebrate only one's birthday. Celebrating one's name day is a more ancient and venerable tradition. Honouring a patron saint is a celebration for the entire Church, clergy and lay persons together.
How a saint is recognized
Saints are known as saints because they followed a Godly lifestyle. The majority of saints are unknown to us, while some have been revealed by God. Revelation can be quick or can take a very long time. A living person is never deemed a saint until after their death. Public recognition often comes before formal canonization; sometimes it follows almost immediately, sometimes it takes centuries. The laity are usually the first to recognize sanctity.
How an icon helps this relationship
Readiness.
The icon shows the patron saint always in an attitude of readiness. It is never simply an illustration. It depicts preparedness to act and to aid.
History and meaning.
The icon shows the saint both as a historical person and as a philosophical concept.
Presence, not entertainment.
The icon never attempts to entertain. It shows an eternal presence that is benign and profound, purposefully showing little emotion.
Attributes
An icon shows the attributes of the patron saint: who the saint is and what he or she did, and above all what the saint continues to do. A patron may be a warrior of ancient times, or a bishop or deacon showing his calling. The icon can also depict scenes from the saint's life.
Stylization
Stylization poses the patron saint in a heroic manner. Unless a recent photograph exists, there is no attempt to depict the person's actual likeness. Traditionally the image of a saint is painted the same way for many, many years. This is how we know that Saint Peter had white hair and a white beard, and why he is always easily recognized in church.
Stylization also prevents the face of the saint from resembling someone you know, which would create a personal association that lessens your relationship with the image. It would be difficult to venerate an icon of the Virgin Mary if she looked like your aunt Matilda. General attributes such as a short or long white beard are acceptable.
In modern times, especially since photography, real images of a patron may exist, for example Saint John of Shanghai. Even then, it is important to keep a generalized, Byzantine depiction.
Space and perspective
The space in an icon is very shallow, so attention goes to the image and not to the background, unless a background is absolutely necessary. In the Byzantine style, perspective is deliberately speculative. It creates a supra-image that points to a supra-reality, a timelessness not subject to the rules of the physical world but ruled by the supernatural.
Giving a Patron Icon
Gifting a patron icon is a very personal act and has always been encouraged, no matter how many icons one may ultimately have. Some people take great joy in collecting several icons of their patron saint, though this is not necessary.
The most common icon shows the patron saint alone, but multiple feats performed by the saint may also be painted. The background is sometimes burnished with gold leaf, which indicates the timelessness of the patron's eternal glory.
Custom Patron Saint Icon 9” × 12”
Commission a hand-painted icon of your patron saint, created in the traditional Byzantine iconographic style. Each icon is painted with care and reverence, following the sacred artistic tradition of the Orthodox Church.
If you have a question and would like to discuss the custom painted patron saint icon please contact us via form below
FAQ
Can a living person be a saint?
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No. A living person is never deemed a saint until after their death.
Can I choose a saint other than the one I'm named for?
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Yes, you can choose any canonical icon of saint or feast
We paint icons on solid wood board or canvas.
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What is the icon made of?
Do you ship icons outside of Canada?
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Yes, we offer international UPS or FEDex shipping, which is added to the cost of the icon
Who paints my icon?
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Every icon is painted by Ksenia, iconographer.