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Commemorated on June 29

On this most radiant day, the Holy Church piously gathers to offer hymns of praise to the Holy, Glorious, and All-Praised Leaders of the Apostles, Peter and Paul, who by their sacred sufferings have illumined the ends of the earth. We behold first the fisherman of Galilee, Saint Peter, whose fiery ardor led him to confess the great mystery of our salvation: "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God." Upon this rock of confession—which is Christ Himself—the Savior built His indestructible Church. Though Peter, in a moment of human frailty, thrice denied his Master through fear, the Merciful Lord restored him through a triple confession of love. By commanding him to "Feed My sheep," Christ did not give him a private kingdom, but entrusted to the one Universal Church the keys of the Kingdom, that the chains of sin might be loosened for all who seek refuge in her fold.

Turning our spiritual gaze to the Great Apostle Paul, we marvel at the divine alchemy that transformed a "robbing wolf" into a "meek lamb." Once known as Saul, he breathed out threatening and slaughter against the disciples, thirsting for the blood of the righteous until the Lord’s own voice thundered from the heavens near Damascus: "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me?" Struck blind by the uncreated light, he arose a new man, casting off his pride to become the "least of the Apostles." This chosen vessel of grace, whose very name speaks of his profound humility, endured shipwrecks, prisons, and stripes, laboring more abundantly than all others to bear the Name of Jesus before kings and nations. He who once stalked the Church became her most eloquent tongue, proving that no soul is beyond the reach of God’s transforming mercy.

Though these two luminaries of the faith underwent their martyrdom on different days, they are united in a single spirit and a single celebration, for they are the two wings by which the Gospel soared across the world. Saint Peter, the first-called and representative of the Church's unity, and Saint Paul, the teacher of the Gentiles and vessel of grace, now stand together before the Throne of the Most High. Their venerable sufferings have paved a path through the thorns of this life, making the way to eternal bliss lighter and more readily passable for us who follow. By their holy prayers and the pure confession of their lives, may we also be found worthy of that unfading crown of glory which the Prince of Pastors has prepared for all who love His appearing.

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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