Saints Pistis, Agapi, and Elpis with Sofia
Name Day: September 17th

This is an exact copy of a Byzantine hagiography icon, handmade in Greece using traditional Byzantine iconography techniques. Comes with stamp of authenticity on back. Silver is 950 degrees proof and is tarnish-free (does not require polish). Face is hand-painted in fine detail, using high quality paint.

The story of a second-century Roman mother who sacrificed herself and her three children in the name of Jesus Christ is not the often repeated family tale. It would be far better to tell of the family delights and Christian fidelity and to mention in passing that they were put to death for their faith, but the stark truth has to be faced to underscore the depth of belief in the Saviour. The mother of this rare family bore the classical Greek name of Sophia, her three daughters bear the familiar Anglicised names of Faith (Pisti), Hope (Elpitha), and Charity (Agapi).

Their father died when the girls were young, leaving their mother Sophia a widow. Word of their pious Christian life reached the Emperor who, hearing that they were in Rome, sent soldiers to bring them before him. Considering their youth, he was amazed at how strong in the faith Sophia’s daughters were, and thinking it was only by supporting one another that they were able to hold their own against him, he decided to the question them separately. One by one, the Emporer offered the girls great riches if they would just sacrifice themselves to the pagan idols, but they boldly dismissed the tyrant’s flatteries and scorned him. In return, the infuriated Emperor had them tortured. Sophia encouraged the girls to accept with joy the death that would unite them with Christ and give them the crown of martyrdom. Eventually they were all killed, all along giving thanks to God. Sophia rejoiced in spirit to see her daughters so gloriously making their way to the ranks of the martyrs. She wept over their graves for three days and then she gave back her soul to God. Their memories are celebrated on September 17.

NOTE: Please allow 2 to 3 weeks for delivery. Call for express options.