Lithography (icon) of Saint Smaragdus the Martyr with real gold leaf in MDF.

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

Saint Smaragdus was one of the Forty Saints Martyrs who martyred in Sebastia in Asia Minor. These Saints were select soldiers of Licinius. When Licinius began a persecution against the Christians, he demanded that his soldiers must embrace the idols. However, they refused, as a result of which they were arrested by the prefect Agrikola and suffered horrible tortures. Eventually, they were thrown into a frozen lake where they martyred.

The year 438 AD Empress Poulcheria found the relics of the Saints hidden in the temple of Saint Thyrsus and built a temple in their memory. Saint Smaragdus and the Forty Martyrs who martyred in Sebastia are celebrated by the Orthodox Christian Church on March 9 of each year.

Apolytikion of 40 Martyrs of Sebastia

First Tone

Be entreated, O Lord, by the sufferings endured for You by the Saints, and we pray You, heal all our pain.