Mount Athos weathered lithography (icon) of Saint Philip the Apostle in pine wood with carved decoration.

Saint Philip was born in the city of Bethsaida, Galilee, and was one of the twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ. The Saint was distinguished for his exceptional prudence and the incessant study of the Old Testament. It is said that as soon as he saw Jesus, he immediately ran to his friend Nathanael to convey to him the news that He was the true Messiah. Asia was drawn to The Apostle Philip to transfer Christian teaching, with the valuable help of his sister Mariamni and the Apostle Bartholomew.

In his attempt to transmit the faith of Christ and to establish Churches, he encountered many difficulties and persecutions by pagans. When he arrived in Frygia, he was arrested, tortured and hanged upside down. As soon as the saint handed over his soul to God, his companions, Bartholomew and Mariamni, reverently buried the holy relic of the Saint. Part of Philip's remains are found in the Roman Catholic Basilica of the Holy Apostles of Rome. His memory is commemorated by the Orthodox Christian Church on November 14th of each year.

Apolytikion of Saint Philip the Apostle

Third Tone

O Holy Apostle Philip, intercede to our merciful God, that He may grant our souls forgiveness of sins.