Saint Minas (Μηνάς), hand painted, orthodox byzantine icon, entirely hand made on canvas with crocus, set in a gold leaf gilded background. It is in accord with the style the tradition and the criteria of the Macedonian school of Agio Oros (Mount Athos).
Saint Minas or Menas was born in Egypt in the mid-3rd century AD to idolatrous parents, but became a Christian in adolescence. When he came of age, he decided to follow a career in the Roman army and served as a cavalry officer in Asia Minor.In 303 AD began the great persecution of the Christians under the Emperors Diocletian and Maximian, which lasted until 311 AD. Roman soldiers were ordered to arrest and torture Christians to make them renounce their faith.
St Minas, true to his faith, resigned from the Roman army and lived as a hermit in the mountains. When he was about 50 years of age, a divine vision revealed that the time had come for him to suffer martyrdom. He left the safety of the mountains and went down to the city, where he declared his faith before the idolaters.
He was arrested, imprisoned and horribly tortured. He was whipped, flayed and dragged naked along a road of sharp stones. Despite his horrific martyrdom, the saint refused to renounce his faith and was eventually beheaded.
Saint Minas was declared the patron saint of Heraklion in Crete during the Turkish period
The church commemorates him on November 11.
 
Materials: Surface: Wood & hardboard
Width: 6.5 inches
Height: 9 inches
Depth: 1 inches