Description
Saint Irene the Great Martyr
This image identifies Irene with the Great Martyr honored especially in the Eastern Christian tradition and commemorated on May 5. Her detailed life is preserved in later hagiography, which names her Penelope before baptism and describes her as the daughter of a local ruler. The accounts emphasize her conversion, public confession of Christ, and missionary witness. Because the surviving narrative is devotional rather than a contemporary biography, its episodes should be presented as church tradition rather than independently verified history.
Crown, cross, and the witness of martyrdom
Irene stands frontally in blue and gold courtly garments, wearing a jeweled crown and holding a slender cross. The royal clothing recalls her traditional noble origin. The cross is the clearest sign of Christian confession and identifies her among the virgin martyrs. Her raised right hand is a restrained gesture of address and witness. The gold field removes the figure from an ordinary earthly setting and signifies participation in the glory of God, not worldly power.
For prayer and Christian courage
The icon is suited to prayer for steadfast faith, wise speech, conversion, and courage under social pressure. It may have particular meaning for people named Irene or Eirene, a name related to peace, and for a name day, baptism, confirmation, or home prayer corner. Christian veneration asks Saint Irene's intercession before God; the crown and sacred image do not promise status, success, or automatic protection.
Crafted on linden wood in Poland
Made to order in Poland on a double-primed linden wood panel, with direct printing and decorative gold-tone metal leaf. A certificate with the year of production and a wall hanger are included.
