Saints Cyprian and Justine

A handmade icon of Saints Cyprian and Justine. 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.

Saints Cyprian and Justine

A holy relic (one of the feet) of Saint Cyprian is kept in the Mount Athos Holy Monastery of Iviron. Holy relics of the two saints are also kept in Attica, Nicosia, Andros island and Bucharest.

The blessings of Saint Cyprian against witchcraft are well known and acknowledged by the Orthodox Church, yet they should only be read by a priest. The subject of witchcraft, spoilage and the evil eye requires special attention and guidance from our spiritual father. By reading the hagiography of St. Cyprian and St. Justine, it becomes clear why Cyprian is considered the protector of those suffering from demonic influence.

Saint Cyprian was a wealthy and noble philosopher from Carthage in North Africa. He lived during the reign of Decius (249-251 AD) and practiced magic in Antioch. Decius was known for his fierce persecution of Christians.

Once a pagan named Aglaida fell in love with a Christian maiden named Justa. The girl did not reciprocate his feelings, so he enlisted the help of the famous sorcerer Cyprian. But all of Cyprian's magical tricks proved to be powerless against girl's steady refusal. Finally, having admitted the failure of his art, he burned his magic books before Bishop Anthimos, asking to be baptized and become a priest.

Indeed, he was ordained and even elected Bishop of Carthage. And Justa became the abbess of the monastery and took the name Justina.

Cyprian has shown apostolic zeal and for this he was called to Decius. He was exiled to Antioch, where he was imprisoned, and later to Nicomedia, where both he and Justina were beheaded.

The remains of the holy martyrs were preserved by pious Christians and taken to Rome, where Cyprian and Justin were buried.