Hand painted icon of Saint Julian or Elian of Emesa made on Mount Athos, on natural wood. The icon is delivered in a wooden box.
Saint Julian (also known as Elian in Arabic), was born in the Syrian city of Emesa (modern day Homs) to a distinguished pagan family in the 3rd century. He secretly embraced Christianity through the influence of his mother. Renowned for his healing abilities, and generosity, he treated the sick without charge, earning widespread admiration. As a healer of both body and soul, Saint Julian was also granted by God the gift of casting out evil spirits. When he openly professed his Christian faith, he was reported to his father, a prominent officer in Emesa. In response, his father launched a persecution against Julian and other Christians, including Bishop Silouan and his disciples. Despite enduring severe torture, Saint Julian steadfastly refused to abandon his beliefs. Following a miraculous event in which a fiery cloud appeared before lions that had been released to devour him and his companions, many witnesses converted to Christianity. Ultimately, his father ordered his execution in an atrocious way. Saint Julian died in a cave and was later buried with reverence by fellow Christians. St. Julian’s Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral in Homs (Deir Mar Elian) still stands today and is the only church in the world dedicated to the Holy Martyr Julian. It was built during the reign of Emperor Theodosios the Great and restored in 1970, revealing many icons and frescoes of 16th-century. Saint Julian’s feast day is commemorated on February 6.
