SS Cyril and Methodius Icon

Saints Cyril and Methodius, commemorated on May 24, were born in a devout family in Thessaloniki, Greece. Michael later became a governor in Slavic lands before taking monastic vows as Methodius, while his younger brother Constantine, a gifted scholar, studied in Constantinople and tutored a future emperor. In 862, they were tasked by the Byzantine emperor to spread Christianity in Moravia, leading to the creation of the Glagolitic alphabet to establish Slavic scriptures. Tragically, Constantine fell ill in Rome and took monastic vows as Cyril, foreseeing his death through a divine vision.

The icon of Saints Cyril and Methodius reflects the artistry of a lacquered icons workshop, where we create folding icons, crosses, and various-sized icons.

The creation process begins with preparing wooden boards, which are cut into smaller panels and smoothed into refined oval shapes. These panels are transformed into polished lamellas that are then glued together to form a solid base. After selecting and laminating images stored for this purpose, artisans fit these images to the panels, cutting and verifying their symmetry before applying special glue to secure them. A final polish enhances durability and aesthetics.

Once the icons are fully dried, they undergo a blessing ritual, with a stamp of authenticity from the convent placed on the back. Each lacquered icon, crafted through this meticulous process, serves as thoughtful gift, or as part of your prayer corner.