Hand painted Orthodox icon on wood, “St. Helen of Sinope”, miniature, 7x10cm

This hand-painted miniature Orthodox icon on wood illustrates Saint Helen of Sinope, a young virgin martyr who lived in the eighteenth century in Sinope, the oldest city of Pontus - celebrated by the Church on November 1. Original artwork by Ana Drăgan (DAM), painted in tempera colours.

Saint Helen of Sinope was a young virgin martyr living with her family in the Christian enclave at Sinope in Pontus (modern-day Türkiye) during the 1700s. At only fifteen, she caught the attention of the local governor, who tried repeatedly to harm her. Each attempt was stopped by a mysterious divine protection, and Helen remained steadfast in prayer and purity.

When threats were made against the Christian community, she turned herself in to protect her people. She was tortured while in prison and finally gave her life in martyrdom, holding fast to her faith.

Her body was cast into the Black Sea upon her death, where it was surrounded by a heavenly light and miraculously recovered by sailors, who then discovered her relics to be healing. Her head had long been venerated in Sinope and later brought to Greece, where it remains today in the Church of St. Marina in Thessaloniki. Saint Helen of Sinope is remembered as a radiant example of courage and holy devotion.

The Orthodox Church commemorates Saint Helen of Sinope on November 1.