Description

Feast Day/Commemorated: January 20

The Prophesied Birth and Early Devotion of Saint Euthymius

Saint Euthymius the Great was born in 377 A.D., in Melitine, Armenia, to his pious parents, Paul and Dionysia. His birth was miraculous, as his mother had been barren; their fervent prayers were answered by an angelic vision prophesying that their child, named Euthymius, meaning "good cheer," would abolish heresy and bring universal peace to the Church of God. Following his father's death, his mother dedicated him to Bishop Eutrojos of Melitine, who recognized his exceptional intelligence, virtue, and asceticism. Forced into ordination as a priest, Euthymius was entrusted with the care of holy hermitages and monasteries. At the age of twenty-nine, he journeyed to Jerusalem, settling in a cave with Saint Theoktistos, where he began to perform miraculous healings.

Miracles and Divine Favor

The Lord worked many wonders through Saint Euthymius. He miraculously fed four hundred men with only a few loaves of bread, echoing the biblical miracle. Just as his own birth broke his mother's sterility, his prayers later brought fruitfulness to other childless women. Like the great Prophet Elijah, he demonstrated power over nature by bringing rain during a severe drought. During the celebration of the Bloodless Sacrifice (Liturgy), a column of light was seen descending from Heaven, illuminating the saint and revealing the inner brightness of his soul until the service concluded. Furthermore, a testament to his purity and chastity was his spiritual ability to perceive the true disposition and condition of souls approaching to receive the Holy Eucharist.

Spiritual Discernment and Holy Repose

Saint Euthymius was also endowed with the gift of clairvoyance. In one instance, he spiritually witnessed the agonizing death of a monk who, despite outward appearances of piety, harbored secret lustful and intemperate thoughts. The saint saw an angel forcefully taking the monk's soul with a three-pronged spear and simultaneously heard a divine voice revealing all the dying monk's hidden and shameful thoughts, highlighting the importance of inner purity. After establishing numerous religious communities throughout Palestine and serving God faithfully, Saint Euthymius departed to the Lord in 473 A.D., at the venerable age of ninety-six, leaving behind a legacy of miraculous grace and spiritual wisdom.

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.