Description
Saint Blaise, bishop of Sebaste and martyr
Blaise is venerated as a bishop of Sebaste in Armenia who died a martyr, traditionally during the persecutions associated with Emperor Licinius in the early fourth century. Secure biographical evidence is limited, and later accounts identify him as a physician and hermit. The best-known tradition tells of his prayer for a child choking on a fishbone. This story stands behind the Catholic blessing of throats on his feast, February 3, often given with two crossed candles. Tradition should be distinguished from documented history, while his ancient cult remains clear.
An enthroned bishop among animals
The icon shows Blaise seated as a bishop, wearing the omophorion marked with crosses, holding a Gospel book and raising his hand in blessing. Numerous domestic and wild animals gather around the throne. They refer to hagiographic traditions in which animals came peacefully to his cave and received his care; they also make visible a pastoral image of creation gathered around a holy bishop. Unlike many Western images, this composition does not use crossed candles, though that custom remains central to his feast.
Crafted on linden wood in Poland
Made to order in Poland, the icon uses a double-primed linden wood panel. The image is printed directly onto the prepared surface and finished with decorative gold-tone metal leaf. A certificate recording the year of production and a wall hanger are included. These verified details describe a contemporary devotional icon without claiming that each piece is individually hand painted.
For prayer connected with illness and pastoral care
The icon is appropriate for a home prayer corner, chapel, clinic office, veterinary practice or parish setting. It may accompany the Church’s prayer for people suffering from illnesses of the throat and for those who care for human or animal life. Such use should remain theologically responsible: the icon and the blessing of Saint Blaise are sacramental devotion, not a substitute for medical care and not a guarantee of healing.