St Silouan the Athonite Icon

This icon of Saint Silouan the Athonite is hand-painted in the traditional egg tempera technique on a solid linden wood panel, following the canons preserved by the Orthodox iconographic tradition. 24 karat gold leaf is applied by hand, and the panel is finished with a protective varnish and arrives with a certificate of authenticity, gift-ready for presentation in the home or for placement in a private icon corner.

Iconography and Symbolism
Saint Silouan is shown in the black monastic habit and klobuk of an Athonite monk, his hands crossed reverently over his chest in the traditional gesture of receiving Holy Communion, a posture of humility and complete surrender to God. His simple, unadorned dress reflects the poverty and stillness of his life of prayer on the Holy Mountain, and his gentle, weathered face speaks to years of inner spiritual struggle borne quietly and without display.

Born Simeon Antonov in Russia in 1866, Silouan entered the Russian monastery of St. Panteleimon on Mount Athos as a young man, where he lived as a simple monk for over forty years, laboring in manual work while cultivating an extraordinary life of unceasing prayer. He became renowned for his profound humility and for the words he received in prayer, “Keep thy mind in hell, and despair not,” a teaching that has become one of the most quoted counsels in modern Orthodox spirituality. Though he held no rank and sought no recognition, his teachings on humility, love of enemies, and prayer for the whole world were preserved after his death by his disciple, Archimandrite Sophrony, and he was formally glorified by the Ecumenical Patriarchate in 1987, becoming one of the most beloved saints of the twentieth century.

Feast Day
September 11 (Old Calendar) / September 24 (New Calendar)

Gift Suggestions
– A meaningful gift for monastics, spiritual fathers, and those drawn to the hesychast tradition
– A fitting gift for anyone named Silouan or Simeon
– A gift for those seeking guidance in prayer and humility
– A dignified addition to a home icon corner or monastery gift shop