Mount Athos weathered lithography (icon) of Saint Ignatius the God-Bearer in pine wood with carved decoration.

Saint Ignatius was bishop in Antioch, Syria from 70 to 107 AD. He is one of the Apostolic Fathers, because he maintained and continued the apostolic tradition. He was distinguished for his writing talent and became a bishop of high ecumenical prestige, with the result that his fame spread throughout the region of Syria. At that time, the emperor of Rome was Trajan, who continued the persecution of Christians who refused to worship him as a god. Ignatius is arrested and taken prisoner in Rome. There he was thrown into the Colosseum and devoured by wild and hungry beasts.

According to tradition, he was named "Τheophorus", because it is said that after his martyrdom they saw the name of our Lord Jesus Christ engraved on his chest. The Holy Skull of the Saint is located in the Diocese of Veria. The Church celebrates the memory of the Saint on December 20 of each year.

Apolytikion of Saint Ignatius the God-Bearer

Fourth Tone

As a sharer of the ways and a successor to the throne of the Apostles, O inspired of God, thou foundest discipline to be a means of ascent to divine vision. Wherefore, having rightly divided the word of truth, thou didst also contest for the Faith even unto blood, O Hieromartyr Ignatius. Intercede with Christ our God that our souls be saved.