Orthodox icon | Scene from the life of Saint Nicholas of Myra | 24722

Orthodox icon | Scene from Saint Nicholas of Myra | 24722.

The icon:

The icon actively portrays “The Returning of a Kidnapped Child,” a touching scene from St. Nicholas’s life. Experts believe this scene is part of a larger vita icon that illustrates key moments from the saint’s life.

The icon’s exquisite craftsmanship extends to its poliment-gilded edge, which adds a touch of opulence and refinement. This meticulous attention to detail enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of the icon, reflecting the reverence and veneration associated with Saint Nicholas and the profound impact he had on the lives of those who sought his intercession.

The Legend:

A man and his wife, longing for a child, sought Saint Nicholas’ intercession. They traveled to Myra, the bishop’s home, but arrived during his funeral; Nicholas had died. The man, undeterred, took linen from the funeral shroud as a relic.

A year later, on December 6th, the couple had a son, a miracle attributed to Nicholas. But seven years later, their son was kidnapped and enslaved. The grieving parents prayed for his safe return.

A year after the abduction, on December 6th, a hurricane carried the boy to St. Nicholas Church. Unaware of their son’s arrival, his parents were in the church, praying for his return. Their prayers were answered when they were reunited with their son, a divine intervention credited to Saint Nicholas.

Source: Orthodox icon | Scene from Saint Nicholas of Myra | 24722 © Ikonen Mautner. Typing errors, other errors or changes reserved. For more information: “Das Synaxarion. Die Leben der Heiligen der Orthodoxen Kirche.” (http://www.prodromos-verlag.de/buecher.html) and Joachim Schäfer: Das Ökumenische Heiligenlexikon – https://www.heiligenlexikon.de