Description

Feast Day/Commemorated: February 7

Saint Parthenios originated from Melitopolis, Asia Minor, where his father served as a deacon. Though he lacked a formal education in reading, the young Parthenios possessed a profound knowledge of the Holy Scriptures acquired through devoted attendance at Divine Services. From his youth, he demonstrated an exceptional compassion, sharing the proceeds of his fishing with the destitute. This virtuous life was quickly accompanied by divine grace; by the age of eighteen, he was already healing the sick, casting out demons, and performing miracles in the name of Christ, earning him wide recognition.

Recognizing his piety, Bishop Philip of Melitopolis provided Parthenios with an education and ordained him as a presbyter. In the year 325, under the reign of Constantine the Great, he was consecrated as Bishop of Lampsakos. The city was primarily pagan, and Parthenios dedicated himself to evangelism, confirming the Christian faith with frequent miracles and healings. His successful ministry led many to abandon idolatry. He journeyed to Emperor Constantine and secured permission and resources to destroy the pagan temples and construct a beautiful Christian church in the heart of Lampsakos, a massive undertaking that symbolized the triumph of Christianity in the region.

This sacred work was immediately challenged by the forces of evil. When a large marble stone from a ruined temple, intended for the new church's Holy Altar, was being transported, the devil maliciously caused the wagon to overturn, killing the driver, Eutykhianos. Unflinching, Saint Parthenios resurrected the man through powerful prayer, utterly shaming the devil and frustrating his attempt to obstruct God's plan. The Hierarch's boundless mercy was such that he never denied healing to anyone who sought his aid, whether suffering from bodily ailments or possession, leading people to abandon reliance on earthly doctors.

Saint Parthenios wielded the great power of Christ's name to cast out demons from people, houses, and even the sea. In one notable instance, when an exorcised demon begged for a new dwelling place, the Saint daringly offered his own body, proclaiming, "Come and dwell in me." The demon, recoiling as if scorched by fire, cried out, "How shall I enter the house of God?" and fled into desolate places, thus demonstrating to the people the overwhelming power of faith and converting many idolaters to the true God. The revered relics of Saint Parthenios are now distributed among several holy sites, including monasteries on Mount Athos and Cyprus.

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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