Description

Feast Day/Commemorated: October

Saint Paul the Simple, a fourth-century Egyptian ascetic, earned his moniker through his profound gentleness and purity of heart. His journey toward monasticism began under tragic circumstances; after discovering his wife's infidelity, he abandoned his secular life to seek spiritual refuge in the desert. At the age of 60, Paul approached the renowned Saint Anthony the Great, hoping to become his disciple and devote his remaining years to God.

Initially, Saint Anthony was skeptical of Paul's resolve, believing the elderly man was too old and fragile to withstand the brutal physical demands of a hermit’s life. To test him, Anthony left Paul outside his cell for three days without food or shelter. Paul’s unwavering commitment—vowing to die rather than leave—convinced Anthony to admit him. There, Paul was subjected to rigorous trials of endurance, including grueling labor, extreme fasting, and sleepless nights filled with prayer and prostration.

Paul’s absolute humility and obedience eventually earned him a cell of his own and remarkable spiritual gifts. Despite his late start, he achieved such a high level of discernment that he was granted the power to perform exorcisms. Even Saint Anthony deferred to Paul’s unique abilities; when Anthony encountered a particularly stubborn demon he could not cast out, he sent the afflicted youth to Paul, noting that Paul’s simple faith gave him authority over the "Prince of demons."

Saint Paul the Simple lived for many years as a wonderworker before peacefully departing to the Lord. His legacy was immortalized by Saint John Climacus in The Ladder of Divine Ascent, where he is held up as the ultimate "rule and type" of blessed simplicity. Today, he is remembered not for intellectual complexity, but for the transformative power of a humble heart, with his primary feast day celebrated on October 4 and a secondary commemoration on March 7.

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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