Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker Icon

Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker Icon is a ready-made hand-painted Orthodox icon of Saint Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia. The image presents the saint in episcopal vestments, blessing with one hand and holding the open Gospel with the other, with Christ and the Mother of God shown in the upper corners of the composition.

Saint Nicholas in Orthodox Tradition

Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, is among the most deeply loved saints in Orthodox Christianity. He is venerated as a swift helper, merciful intercessor, defender of the innocent, protector of children, and patron of travelers and sailors.

His life is remembered for pastoral wisdom, firm defense of the Orthodox faith, and hidden works of charity. Saint Nicholas helped the poor, protected the vulnerable, strengthened the faithful, and became known for miracles both during his earthly life and after his repose.

Iconography of This Image

This icon presents Saint Nicholas in full episcopal vestments. The omophorion with crosses marks his rank as bishop and symbolizes the shepherd who carries the lost sheep. His right hand is raised in blessing, while his left hand holds the open Gospel, showing him as a teacher of the faith and servant of the Word of God.

In the upper corners of the icon are small images of Christ and the Mother of God. This detail recalls the traditional iconographic witness to the saint’s episcopal calling and heavenly protection. The calm face, grey hair, and attentive gaze express fatherly care, spiritual wisdom, and compassion for those who pray before him.

Prayer and Devotional Meaning

Orthodox Christians pray before Saint Nicholas for help in troubles, protection during travel, support for children, deliverance from unjust accusation, peace in the family, healing, and assistance in urgent needs. He is also especially meaningful as a patron saint for those named Nicholas.

This icon is suitable for a home icon corner, family prayer space, chapel, or parish setting. It can also be given as a name day, birthday, baptism, house blessing, or family gift.

Hand-Painted Materials and Technique

The icon is painted by hand on a linden wood board prepared with kovcheg, pavoloka, and levkas. Egg tempera and mineral pigments are used for the face, vestments, Gospel, background, and ornamental details.

The halo and selected decorative elements are enriched with 960 purity gold leaf, corresponding to 23K gold leaf. The gold is not merely decorative; in Orthodox iconography it expresses divine light and the saint’s participation in heavenly glory.

Size and Placement

The available size of this icon is 27×31 cm (10.6×12.2 in). This format is practical for home prayer while still allowing the viewer to see the details of the Gospel, blessing hand, omophorion, small images of Christ and the Mother of God, and the gold halo.

Care for the Icon

Keep the hand-painted icon away from direct sunlight, high humidity, and sudden temperature changes. Clean it only with a soft dry cloth, without water or household chemicals. If desired, the icon may be blessed in an Orthodox church after receiving it.

Icon Characteristics

Name	Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker Icon
Subject	Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra
Size	27×31 cm (10.6×12.2 in)
Technique	Hand-painted Orthodox icon, egg tempera
Materials	Linden wood board, kovcheg, pavoloka, levkas, mineral pigments, 960 purity gold leaf (23K)
Use	Home icon corner, chapel, patron saint icon, Orthodox gift

FAQ

Who is Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker?

Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker is Archbishop Nicholas of Myra in Lycia, a beloved Orthodox saint known for mercy, miracles, defense of the faith, and help to those in need.

What is shown on this icon?

The icon shows Saint Nicholas in episcopal vestments with omophorion, blessing hand, and open Gospel, with Christ and the Mother of God in the upper corners.

What size is this icon?

The available size is 27×31 cm (10.6×12.2 in).

Is this icon already in stock?

Yes. This is a ready-made hand-painted icon and does not require the usual waiting period for a custom commission.

What materials are used?

The icon is painted on a prepared linden wood board with kovcheg, pavoloka, levkas, egg tempera, mineral pigments, and 960 purity gold leaf, corresponding to 23K gold leaf.

What do Orthodox Christians pray for before Saint Nicholas?

They pray for help in troubles, safe travel, protection of children, deliverance from injustice, healing, family peace, and support in urgent needs.

Is this icon suitable as a patron saint icon?

Yes. It is especially suitable as a patron saint icon for someone named Nicholas.

Where can this icon be placed?

It can be placed in a home icon corner, family prayer space, chapel, study, or parish setting.

How should this hand-painted icon be cared for?

Keep it away from direct sunlight, moisture, and sudden temperature changes, and clean it only with a soft dry cloth.

Can a similar icon be ordered in another size?

Yes. A similar icon of Saint Nicholas can be discussed in another size, including larger church or iconostasis formats by individual request.