Wood icon, "St. Angelis of Constantinople", miniature, 7x10cm

Hand painted wood icon of St. Angelis of Constantinople (Sept. 1st). Miniature measuring 7x10 cm. Original artwork.

Saint Angel lived in Constantinople under Turkish rule, a prosperous goldsmith, devoted husband, and father of six. During a festal gathering, he was falsely accused of renouncing Christianity and converting to Islam, merely for wearing a white fez in an innocent game. Refusing to accept this false charge or to deny his faith, he was arrested, tortured, and brought before the Vizier, who tempted him with wealth and high office if he would embrace Islam.

Unshaken in his devotion to Christ, Angel rejected both threats and the tearful pleas of his wife, sent to persuade him. In the end, he was condemned to death and executed on September 1, 1680, near the Church of Hagia Sophia. Yet the Lord revealed His glory—after his martyrdom, a divine light shone upon his holy relics, causing the authorities to cast them into the sea. But the faithful, moved by love and reverence, recovered his sacred remains and laid them to rest in a monastery on the island of Proti.

Miracles followed his holy death, including the torment of those who condemned him and testimonies of his sanctity. His children found refuge in Wallachia, where they were received with honor by the rulers and lived lives of dignity. Thus, Saint Angel’s martyrdom stands as a radiant witness to the power of steadfast faith and the eternal triumph of righteousness in Christ.