Description

Feast Day/Commemorated: November 6

Saint Stylianos was born in Paphlagonia, Asia Minor, sometime between the fourth and sixth centuries, inheriting a substantial fortune from his parents. However, the future saint had little interest in worldly wealth. Driven by a deep compassion for those less fortunate, he chose to give away his entire inheritance to the poor, distributing it according to their needs. Having shed his earthly possessions, Stylianos dedicated himself entirely to a life of spiritual devotion, an act that defined the start of his remarkable journey towards holiness.

Seeking a life fully dedicated to God, Stylianos entered a local monastery. His profound zeal, piety, and commitment to asceticism were so much greater than the other monks' that they ultimately provoked jealousy. Rather than remain in a contentious environment, Stylianos chose to embrace an even more rigorous form of devotion. He left the monastic community to live in complete solitude, dwelling in a cave in the wilderness. In this isolated cell, he intensified his spiritual practice, spending his days in continuous prayer and fasting.

It was in the wilderness that the true extent of Saint Stylianos’s spiritual gifts became apparent. The inhabitants of Paphlagonia soon recognized his goodness and piety, and they began to seek him out. People from the surrounding regions traveled to his remote cave, not just to hear his teachings, but also to be healed. Through his fervent prayers, Saint Stylianos miraculously cured many who suffered from both physical and mental illnesses, establishing him as a powerful intercessor and a beacon of God’s grace among the people.

Saint Stylianos developed a profound reputation as a protector of children. He was particularly known for his loving care and ability to heal sick infants and children of their infirmities. His deep connection to the young continued even after his death; the citizens of Paphlagonia maintained an unwavering belief in his power to cure their children. Whenever a child fell ill, the faithful would commission an icon of Saint Stylianos to be painted and hung over the child's bed as a devotional plea for healing.

At the moment of his repose, the face of Saint Stylianos became suddenly radiant, and an angel appeared to receive his soul, signaling his entry into eternal life. Today, he is universally recognized as the patron saint of children and is frequently depicted in iconography holding an infant in his arms. Pious Christians continue to invoke his aid, asking him to help and protect their children, while childless women entreat his intercession, praying that he might secure for them the blessing of having a family.

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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