Description

Feast Day/Commemorated: July 26

The Holy Virgin Martyr Paraskevi of Rome was a Christian from birth, the only daughter of pious parents, who consecrated herself to God from her earliest years. Devoting herself to prayer and the study of the Holy Scriptures, she later distributed her entire inheritance to the poor upon the death of her parents, confirming her vow of virginity to Christ. Emulating the Apostles, Saint Paraskevi undertook the bold mission of preaching the Gospel to pagans, leading many to convert to Christianity. This fearless missionary work soon drew the attention of the Roman authorities during the reign of Antoninus Pius (138-161), leading to her arrest.

Arrested for refusing to worship idols, Saint Paraskevi stood trial and fearlessly confessed her Christian faith. Neither the promise of worldly honors nor threats of torture could shake her resolve. She was condemned to beastly tortures, including having a red-hot helmet placed on her head and being thrown into a cauldron filled with boiling oil and pitch. By the power of God, the holy martyr remained completely unharmed. When the emperor peered into the cauldron, Paraskevi splashed a drop of the scorching liquid onto his face, severely burning him. Begging for her help, the emperor was instantly healed by the saint, prompting him to release her from custody immediately.

Freed from Rome, Saint Paraskevi continued her evangelical journeys, only to face renewed persecution in other cities. In a city governed by a man named Asclepius, she was once again tried and condemned to a unique death: being devoured by an immense serpent living in a cave. Displaying her spiritual authority, Saint Paraskevi simply made the Sign of the Cross over the snake, causing it to die instantly. Witnessing this undeniable miracle, Governor Asclepius and many of the city's citizens converted to Christ, and the saint was released to continue her preaching.

Saint Paraskevi ultimately received the crown of martyrdom in another city governed by a man named Tarasius, being beheaded around the year 140. Her death, however, only ushered in a new phase of her ministry, as countless miracles began to occur at her tomb. The blind received sight, the lame were healed, and barren women were granted children. Even today, the saint is known to hasten to help those who call upon her in faith, confirming her enduring status as a powerful intercessor and wonderworker for those suffering from illness and misfortune.

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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