Hand painted icon of Saint Patrick, made in Mount Athos, on natural wood. The icon is delivered in a wooden box.
Saint Patrick was one of the most important figures in the Christian missionary movement of Western Europe and is closely associated with the Christianization of Ireland. He lived and served mainly during the 5th century as a bishop and missionary. He was born in Roman Britain, although the exact place of his birth remains uncertain. At a young age, he was captured by raiders and taken to Ireland, where he spent several years as a slave, working as a shepherd and performing agricultural labour. This difficult period became a turning point in his life, as through suffering and solitude he turned more deeply toward prayer and faith in God. After his escape, he returned to Britain and later travelled to Gaul, where he received theological training and came into contact with important figures of the Church of that time. There, his calling to missionary work became stronger, and eventually, in 432 AD, he was sent to Ireland as a bishop. With the blessing and mission of the Church, Saint Patrick returned to Ireland with the purpose of supporting and organizing the first Christian communities and proclaiming the Gospel to its people. For many years, he travelled throughout the land, preaching the Christian faith and establishing the foundations of the Church. His missionary work played a decisive role in the spread of Christianity throughout Ireland and he came to be honoured as the Apostle and Enlightener of Ireland, as well as its spiritual protector. The Orthodox Church commemorates Saint Patrick each year on 17 March.
