Hand painted Orthodox diptych icon on wood, "St. Artemius and St. Mercurius", 2 x 10x20 cm

Two pieces of wood, two saints: one icon. Greatmartyr Artemius at Antioch (October 20) and Holy martyr Philopater Mercurius (November 25), united in one thought, which is the love of God.

Original artwork by Ana Drăgan (DAM), painted on wood in egg tempera colours.

Saint Artemius was born in Egypt in the late 3rd century. He served as a commander in the army of Saint Constantine and was deemed worthy to behold the sign of the Holy Cross in the sky. He fought against Maxentius and accompanied Saint Helena to the Holy Land, where he was present at the discovery of the Holy Cross on which Christ was crucified.

The holy martyr Philopater Mercurius lived in the third century. He is also known as the saint with the two swords (transliterated Arabic: Abu-Saifain), and was martyred on 25 Hatour (4 December), 250 A.D.