Wood icon, "Holy Apostle and Evangelist John", miniature, 7x10cm

Hand-painted orthodox wood icon representing the Holy Apostle and Evangelist John, whose feast day is May 8.

This miniature icon is an original artwork signed by Ana Drăgan (DAM) and measures 7x10 cm.

The Apostle and Evangelist John the Holy was the son of Zebedee, a fisherman from Galilee, and Salome the Myrrh-bearer. One of the Twelve Apostles, he authored the Gospel of John, three canonical epistles (1 John, 2 John, and 3 John), and the Book of Revelation. His primary feast is May 8, then with the Twelve Apostles on June 30, and his repose on September 26.

He speaks of himself in his Gospel as "the disciple whom Jesus loved," attesting to his closeness to the Savior. Saint John was the youngest of the Apostles and a witness to momentous events in Christ's life, including the Transfiguration, and was a comfort to the Lord during many times of crisis. He was banished to the island of Patmos during the persecutions under Emperor Domitian, where he received the vision that is recorded in the Book of Revelation.

It is the tradition that toward the close of his life on earth, Saint John asked his disciples to dig a trench in the form of a cross for him outside the city of Ephesus. He then lay down, and the disciples buried him alive, as he had wished. When later the grave was dug open, his body could no longer be found. One miracle that is attributed to this place tells that on May 8 of each year, a fine dust is released from his grave through which many sick people are cured. This ritual continues to keep the memory and grace of Saint John alive in people's hearts.