Small Byzantine Icon with Saint Luke the Doctor

Small icon (lithograph) of Saint Luke the Doctor, on hard MDF with matte varnish.
Dimensions: 7 x 12 cm.

Short life of Saint Luke Archbishop of  Crimea and Simferopol

Saint Luke the Physician, born Valentin Felixovich Voino-Yasenetsky, was one of the most remarkable figures of the Orthodox Church in the twentieth century. He was born in 1877 in the Crimea and uniquely united scientific excellence with deep Christian faith, dedicating his life both to the healing of the sick and to the service of the Church. From an early age, he pursued the study of medicine and distinguished himself as an exceptionally skilled surgeon. His reputation spread rapidly through his medical expertise, remarkable surgical ability and unwavering compassion for those who suffered. At the same time, his profound faith led him to active participation in the life of the Church and, in due course, to the holy priesthood. During the years of severe persecution of the Church under the Soviet regime, Saint Luke remained steadfast in his confession of the Orthodox faith. He endured repeated arrests, imprisonment, and exile, yet he never ceased to care for the sick or to minister to those in need. Wherever he was sent, he continued to practice medicine, often under the most difficult circumstances, seeing his medical vocation as an expression of Christian love and mercy. In time, he was elevated to the office of Archbishop of Simferopol and Crimea. Despite the many hardships he endured, he continued his pastoral ministry with unwavering dedication. Even after losing his eyesight in his later years, he did not cease preaching the Gospel and strengthening the faithful through his words and example. Saint Luke fell asleep in the Lord in 1961, leaving behind an enduring legacy of faith, self-sacrifice, compassion and service. He was later glorified as a saint by the Orthodox Church, which commemorates his memory each year on 11 June.