Saint Thekla

Saint Thekla. 2021. 16x20" 40x50cm Egg tempera and gold on wood panel.

I just finished this commissioned icon of Saint Thekla. She was a disciple of Saint Paul. She suffered many torments for the sake of Christ, so she is considered "protomartyr" as the first virgin martyr, even though she was miraculously preserved unharmed. Her miracles converted thousands to Christ, so she is also called "Equal to the Apostles." She lived in ascetism into old age in a cave with her disciples in Maaloula, Syria. This convent of Saint Thekla exists even until this day. She holds this monastery church along with the cross of martyrdom.