St. Alexander of Thessalonica

An exquisite Greek Orthodox Icon of St. Alexander of Thessalonica, aka the Holy New Martyr Alexander of Thessalonica.

Alexander was born in Thessalonica in the 18th century and, though baptised a Christian, he accepted Islam as a young man, eventually becoming a Sufi (one of a mystical sect among the Muslims). But in time he began to repent, and concluded that martyrdom was the only way for him to cleanse himself from the stain of his denial of Christ. Having repented, he presented himself to the Turks dressed as a Christian. He was thrown into prison and tortured, but in response to every enticement, threat or torment, he would only say ‘I was born a Christian, and as a Christian I shall die.’ Finally he was sentenced to death, which Alexander joyfully accepted as a sign of God’s forgiveness. He was slain by the sword in Smyrna in 1794.

Made using traditional materials (selected aged timber frames, egg tempera, 24K gold leaf, natural powder paint and varnishes) and old techniques, this icon is an exact reproduction of an antique Byzantine masterpiece.

The icon bears the artist’s signature on the front and the seal of authenticity on the back.

We can have any image or Christian scene hand made on commission. Please take a look at an indicative list of additional icons available, or contact us for more information.