Description

Feast Day/Commemorated: February 10

Haralambos, an aged priest who was 107 years old, served the Christian community in the city of Magnesia during the reign of Emperor Septimus Severus. Known for his unwavering faith, he courageously preached Christianity despite the threats of the pagans. When brought before Governor Lucian, Haralambos fearlessly welcomed the prospect of suffering for Christ, declaring that the tortures inflicted on his old body would only prepare his soul for everlasting bliss. Unmoved by the torturers' attempts to make him cry out, he even thanked them, stating that they were renewing his soul.

Lucian, enraged by Haralambos's steadfastness, tore at the saint's skin with his bare hands, only to have his hands miraculously severed and left clinging to the martyr's body. Showing Christian love for his enemy, Saint Haralambos prayed and healed the governor. This astonishing miracle, along with the saint's unwavering faith, led to the conversion of Lucian and two of his tormentors, Porphyrius and Baptus. Three women also proclaimed their faith, and many in the province of Asia were baptized. Word of these events and the numerous healings performed by Haralambos, including curing the blind and lame, reached Emperor Severus, who ordered the saint brought to him in Antioch.

The emperor's soldiers mistreated the old man during the journey until their horse miraculously spoke, condemning the emperor and his men. Frightened, they ceased their abuse. Upon his arrival, Severus subjected Haralambos to further torture, including throwing him into a blazing furnace, but the flames went out. The saint, invincible through the power of Christ, then demonstrated his power by casting out a demon and raising a young man from the dead. Despite these undeniable miracles, the emperor's hatred returned, fueled by his prefect's accusation of sorcery.

Severus commanded Haralambos to sacrifice to idols. When the saint refused, the emperor had his jaw broken with stones and his beard set on fire. The divine intervention continued as the flames turned on the torturers and an earthquake shook the ground. Emperor Severus was lifted into the air and whipped by unseen angels, only to be released after his daughter, Galinia, begged the saint for mercy. However, the emperor quickly returned to his idolatrous madness and resumed the torture. Galinia, showing her own steadfast faith, shattered the idols and became a laughingstock for her father.

In a final attempt to break the saint's will, Severus ordered his execution. At the place of execution, Haralambos raised his hands to heaven, thanking God and praying for the salvation of souls and the well-being of those who would venerate him. A voice from heaven responded, welcoming him to the glory of the martyrs. He was beheaded on February 10, and his body was buried by Galinia. Today, his skull is venerated at the Monastery of St. Stephen at Meteora, and his relics continue to perform miracles, making him a beloved figure in Greece.

About Our Icons (Print and Mounted):

Theophany Works Icons are handcrafted reproductions, made with prayer and a desire for excellence. Choose from our standard mounted option on Museum Quality Paper or you may choose to upgrade to Museum Quality Matte Canvas. Both offer a rich print with saturated coloration and are finished with our high-grade UV protection sealant offering a subtle tactile texture that gives our icons a truly authentic feel. Additionally, each Maple-shelled panel is prepared with a painted chamfered front edge as well as a round-over on the back edge to give a shadow box effect when hung on the wall. Our Icons come standard with a sliding key-hole slot on the back which allows for balanced hanging. These beautiful American-made reproductions will be a beloved addition to any home or parish at the fraction of the cost of a hand painted icon.

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