Saint John Chrysostom Icon – The Gilded Golden-Mouthed Blessing - (41 x 33 cm)

Teacher of the Church and Defender of Justice

• Saint John Chrysostom was historically a "tribune of the people." His significance in the home is a reminder of the importance of social responsibility and protecting the weak.
• Historical Deed: Despite being a Patriarch, John sold church valuables to feed the poor in Constantinople, famously criticizing the extravagance of Empress Eudoxia.

• Message to the Household: He teaches us that education without virtue is empty. His Liturgy, served in almost every Orthodox temple, connects us directly to the living history of the early Church.

Craftsmanship & Materials

• Premium Gold Finish: This icon features refined relief work with gold tones, highlighting the beauty of the vestments and the Gospel held by Saint John.

• Canonical Accuracy: The artistry strictly follows Orthodox iconography, depicting the Saint in his mature years with a high forehead—a symbol of his vast wisdom.

• Diaspora Heritage: Handcrafted by Serbian artists, it serves as a powerful link to spiritual roots for families in the USA, Canada, and Australia.

• Durable Wood: The use of premium solid wood and protective coatings ensures this icon remains a vibrant centerpiece of the home for generations.

You can find a more detailed explanation about Byzantine icon painting and the quality of icon making in the blog.

St. John Chrysostom

Saint John Chrysostom lived during the turbulent 4th century, a time when Christianity grappled with the remnants of paganism and the complex political intrigues of Byzantium. A fascinating historical fact is that John became Patriarch against his will—he was effectively kidnapped from Antioch and taken to Constantinople under military escort because Emperor Arcadius demanded the finest orator for his capital. However, instead of being an ornament of the court, he became its harshest critic.

When Empress Eudoxia erected a silver statue of herself near the Hagia Sophia, John compared her to Herodias, leading to his final exile. He died in 407 AD in Comana, Pontus, after walking hundreds of miles through scorching sun and rain, exhausted but unyielding. His final words, "Glory to God for all things!", remain etched in history as the ultimate example of stoic faith. The icon in your home is not just a religious object; it is a window into the life of a man who broke the barriers between the poor and the powerful, leaving us a Liturgy that has been served unchanged for 16 centuries.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

What is masking for icons?
Lamination allows the icon to be longer lasting, more stable and of higher quality.

Is gilding used on the icons?
Yes, the halo is made in 24 carat metal gold.

Are classic icons a good gift?
Yes, they are a very popular and elegant gift for celebrations and special occasions.

International Designations

USA / Canada / UK / Australia: Saint John Chrysostom / St. John of Antioch – Gilded Slava Icon, Serbia / Montenegro / Bosnia: Sveti Jovan Zlatousti (Zlatoust), Greece / Cyprus: Agios Ioannis o Chrysostomos (Άγιος Ιωάννης ο Χρυσόστομος), Russia / Ukraine / Belarus: Svyatitel' Ioann Zlatoust (Святитель Иоанн Златоуст), Germany / Austria: Hl. Johannes Chrysostomus – Vergoldete Ikone, Romania: Sfântul Ierarh Ioan Gură de Aur

Check out our icons collection here.