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Feast Day/Commemorated: December 20

Early Life, Condemnation, and Journey to Rome

Saint Ignatius of Antioch, also known as Theophorus, served as the third bishop of Antioch. Details of his early life remain unrecorded, as he largely stayed out of the public eye until his fateful journey to Rome. Around 105-106 AD, during Emperor Trajan's visit to Antioch, Ignatius was commanded to offer sacrifices to idols, with the promise of a senatorial rank as a reward. Refusing to comply despite the emperor's threats, Ignatius was condemned to death. He was then shackled in iron chains and placed under the guard of ten soldiers, destined for Rome, where he was to be thrown to the lions in the arena.

The Epistles Written on the Way to Martyrdom

During his arduous journey from Antioch to Rome, Saint Ignatius penned seven renowned epistles to various Churches in Rome and Asia Minor. At a fork in the road in Asia Minor, his guards chose the northern route through Philadelphia to Smyrna. Learning of his new itinerary, the Churches along the bypassed southern route sent delegations to meet him in Smyrna. In gratitude for their support, Ignatius wrote back to the Ephesians, Magnesians, and Trallians via their returning delegations. He also dispatched an urgent letter to the Romans, announcing his imminent arrival. After leaving Smyrna, they paused in Troas, where Ignatius received the joyous news that peace had been restored to the Church of Antioch, a concern that had weighed heavily on him. This good news prompted him to write additional epistles to the Churches of Philadelphia and Smyrna, which he had visited, and a personal letter to his friend, Polycarp, the Bishop of Smyrna.

Martyrdom and Enduring Theological Legacy

Before he could write further, the soldiers hastened Saint Ignatius onward, bringing him to Neapolis and then Philippi, where he was warmly received by the local Church—this was his last known stop. In 106 AD, Saint Ignatius was torn apart and consumed by lions in Rome, leaving only his larger bones and heart. For him, martyrdom was the crowning achievement of his life. His epistle to the Romans is particularly notable for its fervent plea to them to allow his martyrdom, seeing it as the ultimate path to Christ: "I am God’s wheat, and I am ground by the teeth of wild beasts that I may be found pure bread [of Christ]." Beyond this personal plea, his other epistles emphasize crucial theological themes: protecting the Church from heresy, fostering unity with the bishop, and upholding episcopal authority, asserting that heresy signifies separation from the bishop, who serves as both protector and symbol of the Church's unity. Through these seven epistles, Saint Ignatius effectively established the foundational ecclesiastical model still recognized in the Church today.

About Our Icons (Print and Mounted):

Theophany Works Icons are handcrafted Orthodox Christian icon reproductions made in the United States with prayer and a desire for excellence. Each of our icons are printed on museum-quality matte canvas, providing a rich print with saturated coloration that lends to a beautiful handwritten-icon appearance.

All Theophany Works Icons are mounted on beveled wooden boards and finished with a high-quality UV protection sealant. This offers a subtle authentic-feeling texture while also enhancing durability, allowing for cleaning with a damp cloth. Additionally, each icon is given a maple-shelled keyhole slot on its back for easy and balanced hanging.

Our beautiful icon reproductions are lovingly made in our Lancaster, Pennsylvania studio. We pray they are a blessing to all who receive them, and we believe they will be a beloved addition to any home or parish—each at a fraction of the cost of a hand-painted icon.

***Our Beloved Brothers & Sisters in Christ: Please allow 3 weeks for production as each icon is made to order. If an icon is needed sooner for a baptism, chrismation, wedding, or name day, please contact us—we will always do our very best to accommodate your request.

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