Description

Feast Day/Commemorated: September 11

Our Holy Father Euphrosynos the Cook was a devout and faithful man from a peasant background, lacking formal education. As an adult, he worked as a cook, demonstrating remarkable self-control and generosity. Despite having access to the finest foods, he consistently chose simple fare for himself, saving money from his expenses to give to the poor. His life was marked by a profound humility and a consistent prioritization of spiritual well-being over worldly pleasures.

Later, Euphrosynos joined a monastery, where he continued his work in the kitchen. In this new setting, he prepared very plain food, a stark contrast to his previous secular cooking. When some monks complained and mocked his simple meals and rustic origins, Euphrosynos responded with meekness, explaining that elaborate cooking was not conducive to attaining the Kingdom of Heaven, and that excessive bodily pleasure could hinder the soul's true needs. He silently endured their scorn, striving only to please God through his virtuous, hidden life.

However, the Lord Himself chose to reveal Euphrosynos's spiritual eminence. A devout priest in the same monastery, who had prayed to understand the blessings awaiting those who love God, experienced a profound vision. In his sleep, he found himself in a beautiful garden filled with wondrous things. To his astonishment, he saw Father Euphrosynos standing there, partaking of the garden's delights, and learned that it was reserved for God's elect, with Euphrosynos having authority over its blessings.

The priest, still in his vision, asked Euphrosynos for something from the garden. Euphrosynos readily offered him some fragrant apples, placing them in his garment. Upon waking at the sound of the Midnight Service bell, the priest initially dismissed it as a dream, but then discovered the apples in his garment, still emanating their wonderful fragrance. Confronting Euphrosynos, who humbly denied being anywhere, the priest pressed him until the saint confessed the truth, confirming the divine revelation and the miraculous nature of the apples.

After Matins, the priest shared his vision and the miraculous apples with the brethren, who were filled with spiritual joy and awe at the ineffable fragrance. However, when they rushed to the kitchen, Saint Euphrosynos had already departed, fleeing human praise and glory, and could not be found. The apples were shared among the monks and given to visitors, especially those seeking healing, and many were cured of their ailments, testifying to the saint's powerful intercession. Saint Euphrosynos eventually reposed in a remote hermitage, and the Church, recognizing his profound holiness and adherence to God's will, numbered him among her Saints.

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.