Icon of Nicholas Wonderworker

Icon of Nicholas Wonderworker is a hand-painted Orthodox icon of Saint Nicholas of Myra, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, glorified in the Church as a great wonderworker and servant of God. Saint Nicholas is especially loved in the Orthodox world as a quick helper, protector of the poor, comforter of the grieving, defender of the innocent, and patron of travelers.

In this icon Saint Nicholas is shown according to the canonical Orthodox tradition. He wears episcopal vestments, his right hand is raised in blessing, and in his left hand he holds the Gospel. The Gospel points to the preaching of the Word of God and to his ministry as a bishop of the Church. The omophorion on his shoulders is the sign of pastoral care for the souls entrusted to him.

The icon is painted to order by hand on a prepared wooden board with kovcheg. Traditional materials are used: linden wood, gesso, egg tempera, natural pigments, and 23K gold leaf (960 purity). The image is intended for prayer, veneration, and long-term use in a home icon corner, chapel, or church setting.

Saint Nicholas as a Quick Helper

Saint Nicholas is remembered as a saint whose mercy was practical, concrete, and immediate. Orthodox Christians ask his prayers in danger, illness, travel, poverty, family sorrow, and moments when human strength is not enough.

He is especially venerated as a protector of those who travel by land and sea, a defender of the innocent and unjustly accused, a helper of widows and orphans, and a wonderworker who grants healing to the sick. His image reminds the faithful that Christian mercy is not abstract, but active and compassionate.

Iconography of the Holy Image

On a canonical icon, Saint Nicholas appears as a bishop. The blessing gesture of his right hand shows pastoral care and prayerful intercession. The Gospel in his left hand signifies the truth and light of Christ’s teaching. The omophorion on his shoulders is the liturgical sign of episcopal ministry.

The face of Saint Nicholas traditionally combines spiritual firmness with fatherly love. He is not shown as a distant historical figure, but as a living intercessor before God. This is why icons of Saint Nicholas are found in so many Orthodox homes and churches.

Great Miracles and Spiritual Meaning

The life and veneration of Saint Nicholas include many accounts of miraculous help: the saving of sailors in danger, the help given to three poor maidens, the multiplication of wheat in time of famine, and the protection of those unjustly condemned.

The icon of Saint Nicholas is therefore a reminder of the effective power of faith, the mercy of God toward people, the call to acts of compassion, and the grace-filled help given in sorrow. It encourages the believer not only to ask for help, but also to become merciful toward others.

What People Pray For Before Saint Nicholas

Before the icon of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, Orthodox Christians pray for a safe journey, for children and their guidance, for reconciliation of those in conflict, for healing from serious illness, for help in housing and family difficulties, and for support in hard circumstances.

People also ask his intercession for sailors, drivers, travelers, the poor, widows, orphans, and those who have been treated unjustly. As with every Orthodox icon, prayer is offered to God through the intercession of the saint; the icon itself is not a charm or magical object.

Tradition of Veneration

The memory of Saint Nicholas is especially celebrated on December 19, the day of his repose, and on May 22, the translation of his relics. In the weekly liturgical cycle, Thursday is also connected with the apostles and Saint Nicholas.

For many Orthodox families, an icon of Saint Nicholas is one of the first and most important images in the home. It is suitable for a home icon corner, prayer room, office, entryway, chapel, church, or Orthodox institution.

Full name	Hand-painted Orthodox Icon of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker
Saint	Saint Nicholas of Myra, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia
Iconographic type	Bishop with Gospel and blessing gesture
Materials	Linden board with kovcheg, gesso, egg tempera, natural pigments, and 23K gold leaf (960 purity)
Use	Home icon corner, chapel, church, prayer shelf, office, or personal patron saint icon
Available sizes	17×21 cm (6.7×8.3 in), 20×24 cm (7.9×9.4 in), 27×31 cm (10.6×12.2 in), 30×40 cm (11.8×15.7 in), with larger sizes by agreement

Hand-Painted Icon Made to Order

A hand-painted icon differs from a printed image because it is created individually by an icon painter. The face, vestments, background, inscriptions, gilding, and final details are all worked by hand. This gives the icon a living surface and a personal devotional character.

The icon can be ordered in standard home sizes or in larger analogion, church, or iconostasis formats. A kiot can also be selected or made separately to protect the icon from dust, humidity, and accidental damage.

Ordering and Shipping

Available sizes are 17×21 cm (6.7×8.3 in), 20×24 cm (7.9×9.4 in), 27×31 cm (10.6×12.2 in), and 30×40 cm (11.8×15.7 in). Larger formats can be made by individual agreement. Free international shipping is included, and payment is made after you receive and approve the icon.

Care for the Icon

A hand-painted icon should be protected from direct sunlight, high humidity, heaters, and sudden temperature changes. Dust should be removed only with a soft dry cloth or a very soft brush. Do not use water, alcohol, household chemicals, or wet wipes.

Questions and Answers

Who is this icon dedicated to?

The icon is dedicated to Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, one of the most venerated Orthodox saints and a quick helper in everyday needs.

What do Orthodox Christians pray for before Saint Nicholas’s icon?

People pray for protection, help in travel, family peace, health, support in difficult circumstances, and help for children, sailors, travelers, and all who are in need.

Why is Saint Nicholas called Nicholas the Pleasant?

In Russian Orthodox usage, Nicholas the Pleasant means that by his righteous life, mercy, faithfulness to Christ, and countless works of help, he pleased God.

Who can receive an icon of Saint Nicholas as a gift?

It is suitable for men, children, travelers, sailors, drivers, Orthodox families, and especially for someone named Nicholas. It may be given for a name day, birthday, baptism, wedding, or housewarming.

Is this icon suitable for a home icon corner?

Yes. An icon of Saint Nicholas is one of the most traditional images for a home icon corner, prayer shelf, office, entryway, chapel, church, or Orthodox institution.

Can the icon be painted in another size?

Yes. The icon can be painted in home, analogion, church, or iconostasis sizes. The format, style, and decoration can be discussed individually.

What materials are used for this hand-painted icon?

The icon is painted on a prepared linden board with kovcheg, gesso, egg tempera, natural pigments, and 23K gold leaf (960 purity).

How is a hand-painted icon different from a printed icon?

A hand-painted icon is made individually by an icon painter, with living brushwork and detailed work on the face, garments, background, inscriptions, and gilded areas.

Can this icon be ordered in a kiot?

Yes. A kiot can be selected or made separately. It protects the icon from dust, humidity, and accidental damage, and gives the image a finished presentation.

How should a hand-painted icon of Saint Nicholas be cared for?

Keep the icon away from direct sunlight, high humidity, heaters, and sudden temperature changes. Dust should be removed with a soft dry cloth or brush, without water, alcohol, or household chemicals.