Lithography (icon) of Saint Markella the Virgin Martyr of Chios with real gold leaf in MDF.

Icon weight per size selection: 18x14cm. ~ 360gr. / 24x18cm ~ 600gr / 32x24cm. ~ 1150gr. / 45x35cm ~ 2000gr.

Saint Markella was born in Volissos, Chios, around 1500 AD. She was raised by her mother according to the Christian faith, even though her father was a pagan. Markella was distinguished from a very young age for her kindness and modesty. At the age of 18 she was baptized a Christian and this fact displeased her pagan father who tried in many ways to persuade her. He even began to love her erotically and as a result the Saint left her paternal home. But her hard-hearted father began to look for the beautiful girl who found refuge in a large bush. Her father burned the bush but the Saint managed to escape.

Finally, after a relentless chase, Markella was beheaded and surrendered her soul to God. After many years, a glorious Temple was built in the place of bush in honor of the Virgin Martyr. At this site there is a spring that gushes therapeutic water which cures any ailment. Thousands of pilgrims from Greece and abroad visit the spring for healing. Saint Markella is the patron saint of Chios and a fragment of her Holy Relic is located in the Monastery of Daou Pentelis. The Orthodox Christian Church celebrates her memory on July 22 of each year.

Apolytikion of Markella the Virgin Martyr

First Tone

Submitting to the laws of the Lord's divine teachings, you strove to keep them blamelessly, O Martyr Markella. And fearing the violence of your father, you fled from him and dwelt in the mountains. Pursuing you he found you and slew you, O undefiled bride of Christ. Glory to Him who strengthened you. Glory to Him who crowned you. Glory to Him who works healings for all through you.