Saint Phanourios Icon

The Saint Phanourios Icon depicts the Great Martyr and Newly Revealed Saint of Rhodes, who is especially honored in the Orthodox Church for his courageous witness to Christ and for his intercessions when something lost is being sought. The traditional icon presents him as a youthful soldier holding a Cross and a lighted candle, emphasizing his steadfast faith and his role as a witness to the light of Christ. This icon is hand-painted using traditional egg tempera on a thick natural wood panel. Gold leaf is applied through traditional gilding, creating a luminous halo and sacred details, while protective varnish helps preserve the painted surface and craftsmanship.

Iconography and Symbolism:

Saint Phanourios is traditionally shown as a young soldier holding a Cross in his right hand, with a lighted taper placed above the Cross. The Cross represents his unwavering faith in Christ and his victory through martyrdom, while the lighted candle symbolizes the light of Christ and the revelation of the saint after his icon was discovered centuries after his earthly life. The name Phanourios is associated with the Greek word meaning “to reveal” or “to make known.” Saint Phanourios is also closely connected with the tradition of Fanouropita, a sweet bread or cake offered in thanksgiving and shared with others around his feast day. This tradition reflects gratitude for his intercession and the Christian practice of sharing blessings with the community.

Feast Day:

August 27 — Saint Phanourios the Great Martyr and Newly Revealed of Rhodes

Gift Suggestions:

-Gifts for someone searching for something lost
-Baptism and Christening gifts
-Housewarming and house blessing gifts
-A meaningful gift to accompany the traditional Fanouropita offering