Description

Feast Day/Commemorated: June 20

Written on the pages of the book "The Life In Christ":

"Ἡ ἐν Χριστῷ ζωὴ φύεται μὲν ἐν τῷδε τῷ βίῳ, τελειοῦται δὲ ἐπὶ τοῦ μέλλοντος."

"The life in Christ originates (grows/buds) indeed in this life, but is perfected in the life to come."

Early Life and Imperial Service

Born in Thessaloniki in 1322, Saint Nicholas Cabasilas was the nephew of Archbishop Neilos Cabasilas, choosing to adopt his uncle's surname over his father's surname of Khamaetos. He received an outstanding education in rhetoric, philosophy, and theology in both Thessaloniki and Constantinople. His intellect led him to serve as a trusted advisor to Emperor John VI Cantacuzenos during a tumultuous period of civil war and religious strife. When the Emperor later abdicated to become a monk at the Manganon Monastery, Saint Nicholas joined him there, dedicating himself to the monastic life and potentially being ordained as a Hieromonk.

The Hesychast Controversy

Deeply rooted in the spiritual movements of his time, Saint Nicholas was a disciple of Saint Gregory of Sinai and an ardent supporter of Saint Gregory Palamas. Both of his mentors championed hesychasm, a practice of quiet, unceasing prayer of the heart aimed at experiencing the Uncreated Light of Tabor. Active in the theological disputes of his era, Nicholas defended these practices during the Hesychast controversies. His efforts culminated in the Council of 1351, which officially proclaimed the teachings of Saint Gregory Palamas as Orthodox dogma.

Theological Writings and Teachings

The enduring legacy of Saint Nicholas rests primarily on his two monumental works: Explanation of the Divine Liturgy and Concerning the Life in Christ. Through these texts, he expounded the hesychastic view that a holy life starts in earthly existence but finds its perfection in the Kingdom of God, achieved when human will aligns with Christ's will. Notably, the sixth book of Concerning the Life in Christ offers profound insights on the Beatitudes, comparing them to a "ladder" for ascending to a blessed life. In addition to these masterpieces, he penned several surviving sermons and encomia honoring various saints.

Repose, Legacy, and Glorification

Though the exact date of his death is uncertain, Saint Nicholas likely fell asleep in the Lord before 1391, meaning he probably witnessed the fall of his birthplace, Thessaloniki, to the Turks in 1387. Centuries after his holy life, he was officially glorified as a saint by the Church on July 19, 1983. Today, he is remembered through his Troparion, which beautifully praises him as a "divine teacher" and a "wise interpreter" of faith and divine virtue.

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.

Reviews (0)