Saint Stylianos of Paphlagonia

Icon made on natural linden wood with water-gilding technique. After the thermal treatment, the wood was gilded with 22K gold leaf, in accordance with traditional Byzantine techniques. The icon has been painted with egg tempera for a higher quality and durability of the colors.

Saint Stylianos of Paphlagonia

Saint Stylianos lived during the 4th century. According to the tradition, he was a son of a wealthy parents. He was born in Paphlagonia in Asia Minor, where his holy relic was kept.

From his young age, the saint showed great humility, continence and grace. The upbringing he received strengthened his noble character. He always cared for the sick, the poor and those who suffered. After the death of his parents, he distributed his property and retired to the desert as an ascetic. He dedicated himself to God and fulfilled his vocation.

During the period of his ascetic life, saint Stylianos was filled with grace, devoting his mind to unceasing prayer and the cultivation of faith in Jesus Christ. His luminous example offered enlightenment and peace to those who were close to him. He never argued with people, but calmed their souls through the gentleness of his spiritual wealth.

The saint is considered to be the guardian of children. His love and care for infants, combined with the miracles he performed, made him beloved to all people. During his earthly life, he highlighted that if man's goal is to conquer virtue and humility, then childhood is all virtuous and endowed with what adult men strive to achieve. He loved children for their innocence and cared for them in every respect. Year after year, more and more believers were seeking his advice, bringing their children to him to receive his grace or to be cured of illnesses that tortured them. The Saint supported and safeguarded their health by performing numerous miracles in the name of the Holy Trinity. He even helped women who wanted to become mothers and childless couples who were seeking his blessing. After his departure, he continued to perform miracles, protect children and strengthen childbearing.

The Orthodox iconographic tradition represents saint Stylianos as an ascetic with one or more swaddled infants cuddled in his arms. His memory is commemorated on November 26.

Prayer

Holy Stylianos, thou wast a tower of abstinence and an unshaken pillar of the Church. Dedicated to God from thy youth, thou didst become a dwelling-place of the Spirit. O righteous Father, intercede with Christ our God to grant us His great mercy