Lithography (icon) of Saint John the Russian with real gold leaf in MDF.

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

Saint John the Russian was born in southern Russia, in present-day Ukraine, in 1690 AD. from a pious family. The Saint was baptized a Christian at a young age and lived his life according to the requirements of Christianity. He enlisted in the Russian army during the Russo-Turkish War and fought heroically against the enemies of his homeland. When he was taken prisoner in the battle for the recapture of Azov, he was taken to the village of Prokopio in Cappadocia and given to an Aga. There they force him to live in a dirty stable and to be severely tortured. But John, having firm faith in Christ, endures hardship with complete patience. His torture came to an end when his master received a plate of hot food in Mecca, Arabia, miraculously sent to him by the Saint.

In 1730 AD John surrendered his soul to God and his body was buried with great honors by the inhabitants of Procopius. When, after three and a half years, the faithful opened his tomb, they found his body incorruptible and fragrant. They carried it reverently to the village church, where many miracles were performed on Christians and non-Christians. During the Asia Minor catastrophe, the holy relic of the Saint was transported to Chalkida at the expense of the Papadopoulos family. In 1930 AD was built, in Neo Prokopio of Evia, a brilliant church in honor of John, where his honest relic remains to this day. The Church celebrates his memory on May 27 of each year.

Apolytikion of Saint John the Russian

Fourth Tone

He that hath called thee from earth unto the heavenly abodes, doth even after thy death keep thy body unharmed, O righteous one; for thou wast carried off as a prisoner to Asia, wherein also, O John, thou didst win Christ as thy friend. Wherefore, do thou beseech Him that our souls be saved.