Orthodox Icon of St Nicholas

The Orthodox Icon of St Nicholas is a hand-painted image of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia. In Russian Orthodox devotion he is also lovingly called Nicholas the Pleaser of God, because his life was marked by faith, mercy, and readiness to help those in distress.

Saint Nicholas is shown waist-length in episcopal vestments. His right hand is raised in blessing, and in his left hand he holds an open Gospel. A large radiant gold halo, relief gilded background, white omophorion with crosses, small images of Christ and the Mother of God at the sides, and a lower name inscription create a solemn and clearly recognizable Orthodox composition.

This icon is suitable for a home icon corner, personal prayer shelf, family prayer space, child’s room, office, church, or chapel. It is often chosen as a named icon for someone called Nicholas and as a family holy image before which people pray for loved ones, travel, health, work, children, and protection of the home.

Features of the Orthodox Icon of St Nicholas

In this icon Saint Nicholas is presented in the traditional image of an Orthodox bishop. His high forehead, gray hair, short beard, and calm attentive gaze correspond to the familiar iconography of Saint Nicholas of Myra. The face combines pastoral firmness, spiritual recollection, and gentle mercy.

The blessing hand is one of the central details of the icon. It points to the pastoral service of Saint Nicholas and his prayerful intercession before God. The open Gospel in his left hand is an important sign of episcopal ministry, faithfulness to Christ’s teaching, and pastoral instruction.

The vestments are painted in rich red, green, white, and golden tones. The white omophorion with crosses emphasizes the saint’s episcopal rank, while the decorative details of the garments make the image festive. The contrast between the gilded background and the red-green vestments helps the figure remain clear even in smaller sizes.

Small images of Christ and the Most Holy Theotokos are placed at the sides of Saint Nicholas. They belong to the traditional iconography of the saint and emphasize his episcopal dignity, church service, and special veneration in Orthodoxy. The lower inscription identifies the image as Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker.

Iconography: Gospel, Omophorion, and Blessing

Saint Nicholas is shown in episcopal vestments because he was Bishop of Myra in Lycia. The omophorion with crosses is not simply a decorative part of the clothing; it is a sign of pastoral service, spiritual responsibility, and prayerful care for the faithful.

The open Gospel reminds the viewer that Saint Nicholas was not only a miracle-worker, but also a bishop of the Church, a guardian of Orthodox faith, and a teacher of evangelical mercy. The blessing hand points to his spiritual help and to the living prayer of the Church.

The small images of Christ and the Mother of God complete the composition. They give the icon a clear Orthodox context and visually balance the image while keeping Saint Nicholas as the central figure.

Materials, Gilding, and Decorative Work

The icon is made on a solid linden board with oak support splines. Linden is traditionally valued in icon painting for its even structure and good preparation for gesso. Oak splines strengthen the board and help preserve its shape as humidity and temperature change.

The prepared board is covered with natural chalk gesso, creating a firm and smooth surface for painting. The image is painted in egg tempera, a traditional iconographic technique valued for depth of color, noble matte surface, and durability.

The halo, background, and decorative borders are gilded with 23K gold leaf (960 purity). In this image the gold has an important compositional role: it highlights the saint, strengthens the solemn character of the icon, and creates a luminous prayerful field around the figure.

The relief gilded background and ornamental border give the icon a festive appearance without obscuring the meaning of the image. Before the icon is painted, the size, degree of gilding, character of the relief ornament, tone of the borders, color accents, inscriptions, and overall decorative solution may be discussed.

Icon Characteristics

Icon name	Orthodox Icon of St Nicholas
Saint	Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia
Also known as	Nicholas the Pleaser of God, in Russian Orthodox devotion
Iconographic type	Waist-length bishop saint with open Gospel and blessing hand
Feast days	December 19, May 22, August 11
Decorative features	Relief gilded background, radiant gold halo, episcopal vestments, white omophorion with crosses, open Gospel, images of Christ and the Mother of God, lower name inscription
Materials	Linden board, oak support splines, natural chalk gesso, egg tempera
Gold	23K gold leaf (960 purity) on the halo, background, and ornamental decoration
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); larger church and iconostasis sizes by agreement

Choosing the Size

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 church and iconostasis sizes may be ordered by agreement.

The 17×21 cm format is suitable for a small prayer shelf, home icon corner, child’s room, office, or baptism gift. The 20×24 cm size is a versatile choice for a named icon or family gift: compact, but still visually clear.

The 27×31 cm size gives the image more presence. The face of Saint Nicholas, the blessing hand, open Gospel, white omophorion, inscriptions, side images of Christ and the Mother of God, and gilded ornament become easier to see. The 30×40 cm format is suitable for a spacious home, family prayer area, chapel, or church.

What People Pray for Before Saint Nicholas

Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker is honored as a quick helper in many different circumstances. Orthodox Christians ask his intercession before travel, during illness, in anxiety for children, in family troubles, in financial need, in danger, in injustice, and when an important decision must be made.

People pray before this icon for protection on journeys, business trips, moves, and long roads; for the health and well-being of children; for family peace and reconciliation; for healing of the sick and consolation of the sorrowful; for help in debt, poverty, and difficult life circumstances; and for protection from slander, unfair treatment, and offense.

An icon is not a charm or magical object. Orthodox prayer before Saint Nicholas is prayer to God through the intercession of the saint. Requests for help are joined with faith, gratitude, participation in the life of the Church, mercy toward others, and a desire to live according to the commandments.

Who This Icon Is For

The Orthodox Icon of St Nicholas is appropriate for almost any Orthodox home. It is often chosen as a family holy image because Saint Nicholas is venerated in illness, travel, family needs, care for children, and protection of loved ones.

As a named icon, it is especially fitting for men and boys named Nicholas. It can be given for baptism, a name day, a birthday, an anniversary, graduation, the beginning of independent life, a house blessing, or a family celebration.

The icon is also suitable for people whose lives are connected with travel, responsibility, and care for others: sailors, drivers, travelers, soldiers, rescuers, doctors, business owners, managers, and those who often have to make difficult decisions.

Feast Days and Life of Saint Nicholas

The main feast days of Saint Nicholas are December 19, the commemoration of his repose; May 22, the translation of his relics to Bari; and August 11, the Nativity of Saint Nicholas. These dates may be considered when choosing the icon as a name-day, baptismal, birthday, or thanksgiving gift.

Saint Nicholas lived in the third and fourth centuries and became known for mercy, firm faith, pastoral care, and many miracles. He helped those in need secretly, protected the innocent, defended the Orthodox faith, and became a beloved intercessor for families, children, travelers, the poor, and those treated unjustly.

Blessing and Care

The icon of Saint Nicholas may be blessed in church before it is given, or after it is received in your parish. A blessed icon is approached not as a decorative picture, but as a holy image for prayer, thanksgiving, and turning to God through the intercession of the saint.

A hand-painted icon should be treated carefully. Dust may be removed with a dry soft brush or dry soft cloth, without pressure. The icon should not be wiped with a wet cloth or placed in direct sunlight, near a heater, humidifier, or a source of sudden temperature changes. Gilded areas, relief ornament, inscriptions, and the painted surface should be handled especially gently.

Free international shipping is included, and payment is made after you receive and approve the icon.

Questions and Answers

Who is shown on the Orthodox Icon of St Nicholas?

The icon shows Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, one of the most beloved saints of the Orthodox Church. In Russian devotion he is also known as Nicholas the Pleaser of God.

Why is Saint Nicholas called the Pleaser of God?

This name reflects his special veneration as a saint who pleased God through righteous life, mercy, faithfulness, and loving care for people in distress.

What do Orthodox Christians pray for before this icon?

They pray for help in travel, protection of children, family peace, healing, deliverance from need, support in difficult circumstances, and protection from injustice.

For whom is this icon suitable as a named icon?

It is especially suitable for men and boys named Nicholas, and it can be given for baptism, a name day, a birthday, or another family occasion.

What are the feast days of Saint Nicholas?

The main commemorations are December 19, the repose of Saint Nicholas; May 22, the translation of his relics to Bari; and August 11, the Nativity of Saint Nicholas.

Why is Saint Nicholas shown with an open Gospel?

The open Gospel points to his episcopal ministry, faithfulness to Christ’s teaching, pastoral instruction, and defense of the Orthodox faith.

What do the images of Christ and the Mother of God mean?

The small images of Christ and the Most Holy Theotokos belong to the traditional iconography of Saint Nicholas and emphasize his episcopal dignity, church service, and special veneration.

What sizes are available?

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 church and iconostasis sizes can be discussed individually.

What materials are used for this icon?

The icon is painted on a linden board with oak support splines, natural chalk gesso, egg tempera, and 23K gold leaf (960 purity), with a relief gilded background and ornamental decoration.

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

Keep it away from moisture, direct sunlight, and sudden temperature changes. Dust it gently with a dry soft brush or cloth, especially around the gilded and relief ornamental areas.