A beautiful lithography with double varnish to ensure long lasting in time & water proof properties with the representation of Saint Nicephorus of Constantinople(The Leper). An artwork following the Athonian techniques to the letter created with love & patience. The creator applied the process of artificial ageing & added a handmade dark red byzantine tone finish to give this icon unique aesthetic value. Father Nicephorus was born Nicholas Tzanakakis in 1890 in a village of Serikari of Chania, Crete. His parents, who were simple & pious villagers, died while he was a small child, leaving him an orphan, under the care of his grandfather. When he was thirteen he moved to Chania & began to work in a barbershop. Soon after he began to show signs of Hansen’s disease (i.e. leprosy). When he was sixteen years old his disease became more visible. As leprosy was a transmissible disease that was treated with fear, Nicholas fled to Egypt to escape an exile to Spinaloga, an island leper colony. The disease continued to advance as he worked in a barbershop in Alexandria, Egypt. At the suggestion of a cleric who told him of Lovokomeio, the home for lepers on the island of Chios, Nicholas fled again. His illness continued, as it would be until 1947 before a treatment is found for stopping leprosy. Yet, Nicephorus continued his obedience, fasting & working in the gardens, as a unique spiritual relationship grew between the monk Nikephorus & his mentor Fr, Anthimus. From this he compiled a catalogue of the miracles of St. Anthimus that he had seen with his own eyes. Nicephorus would pray for hours at night, performing countless prostrations, yet not offering a word to anyone nor spoiling his heart on anyone. He became the head chanter of the church. However, as he slowly lost his eyesight because of his illness, most of the hymns were chanted by others. Many people began to visit the leper monk Nicephorus, to receive his blessing. Confined to his bed, racked with pains & barely able to see, he would call on his visitors saying, “My children, do you pray? & how do you pray? …with the prayer of Jesus you should pray, with the “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me”. Thus you should pray.” Can be hung on a wall or placed on a flat surface. Saint Nicephorus Icon, Handmade Greek Orthodox Icon Of St Nikephoros Constantinople, Byzantine Art Wall Hanging On Wood Plaque
