St Basil the Great of Caesaria, byzantine icon of the Saint, eastern orthodox religious painting, popular Greek icons of Cappadocian Fathers

St Basil the Great, a Saint that holds a very important place in the history of the orthodox Church (being the writer of one of its most beautiful and moving liturgies) but also the Greek "Agios Vasilis" a Saint that holds a very Special place to Greek people's hearts.

His life of giving and caring for the poor, had made Him the Greek Father Christmas; All children are getting their gifts from "Agio Vasili", and on New Year's Eve (one day before His feast on January 1st) , regardless of the weather (which can be relentless... believe me), small children go out on the streets, in merry little companies, singing St Basils carols (kalanda) from door to door.


The Saint has his name written on left and right with red egg tempera -Aghios Vasileios . On this piece leaves of copper gold o were used.

The icon measures in size approx 7" x popular 5.11" (18cm x 13cm)

Each of our icons is drawn according to the rules of the old byzantine art of hagiography or else holy iconography. In this technique we are using the traditional egg tempera (that we produce from a mixture of pigments, egg yolk and vinegar) a plastered wooden panel and gold metal leaves. After painting, the icon is varnished (with a natural resin varnish) and then we leave it to dry for several days to produce an artwork that will last.

Additionally the icon comes tenderly protected in its individual bag, together with its instructions how to care for it, a little sachet of herbs from our garden in Crete -and our custom icon favors - Ready to be used as a gift