Description

Feast Day/Commemorated: June 28

Born into the noble court of the Saint Stefan Dušan, Saint Lazarus rose from a respected warrior and advisor to become the "pious and autocratic lord" during a period of intense fragmentation for the Serbian Empire. Following the death of King Stefan and the subsequent disintegration of central power, Saint Lazarus emerged as a unifying leader who balanced statecraft with deep spiritual devotion. Alongside his wife Milica, he raised a large, pious family and earned the admiration of his people through his honesty, courage, and unwavering loyalty to the Christian faith.

As Tsar, Saint Lazarus transformed Serbia into a sanctuary for Eastern Orthodox culture and charity. He was a prolific patron of the Church, filling the landscape with monasteries and mountain abodes that served as refuges for monks and scholars fleeing Ottoman expansion. His reign was defined by his compassion for the vulnerable, establishing hospitals, hostels, and schools. By welcoming iconographers and masters from fallen southern lands, his court became a final bastion of Christian art and learning in the face of the encroaching Ottoman Empire under Sultan Murad I.

The climax of Saint Lazarus' life came at the Battle of Kosovo in 1389, where he famously chose a "heavenly kingdom" over an earthly one after a prophetic vision. Despite fighting valiantly and sustaining sixteen wounds, he was captured and beheaded by the forces of Bayazid. His martyrdom was later confirmed when his body was found incorrupt and fragrant, a sign of sanctity in the Orthodox tradition. Today, Saint Lazarus is revered not just as a fallen king, but as a spiritual archetype who exemplified the principle of "everything for Christ," teaching believers to prioritize eternal salvation over worldly power.

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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