Peter the Apostle

The icon is made on a particle board with the use of the most advanced imprinting and production techniques. The background is decorated in a way that gives the impression of glossy gilding.

The shrine of Peter the Apostle is kept in the Roman Catholic Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome, and part of his relics are in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Fragments of his relics are also kept at the monasteries of Iviron and St. Panteleimon in Mount Athos.

Peter came from Bethsaida of Galilee; he was the son of Jonah and brother of Andrew the Apostle. The brothers made their living by fishing on the Lake of Gennesaret. Peter was married, as can be inferred from the Gospel account of Jesus' healing of his mother-in-law.

When Christ came to the Lake of Gennesaret, He met Peter and Andrew casting their nets. He called them, and they left their nets and their families and followed Him. It seems John the Baptist had prepared them for this decision beforehand.

Information about Peter's life is taken from the Gospels and the Acts of the Holy Apostles. He also wrote two Catholic epistles in which he exhorts Christians, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." (1 Peter 5:8). That is, "Take heed, be wise, watch and beware. For your adversary and accuser, the devil, like a roaring lion, walks about in fury, seeking whom he may devour."

After Jesus' ascension, Peter taught the gospel in Judea, Antioch, Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. On the day of Pentecost, he preached to thousands of people, leading them to baptism.

According to tradition, he reached Rome, where under Nero (54-68 AD) he was crucified on an upturned cross about AD 64.

His memory is commemorated along with that of the Apostle Paul on June 29.