Handcrafted Saint Christina the Great Martyr Wooden Mounted Icon – Orthodox Christian Home Altar Gift

Q: Who is Saint Christina the Great Martyr?
A: Saint Christina the Great Martyr, also known as Saint Christina of Tyre, was a young Christian woman who lived in the third century in the ancient city of Tyre (in present-day Lebanon). The daughter of a pagan governor named Urban, she came to faith in Christ through contemplation of the natural world — gazing at the stars from the tower where her father had imprisoned her among pagan idols. She destroyed those idols and gave their gold and silver to the poor, triggering her arrest and martyrdom. Despite extraordinary tortures under three successive rulers, she never denied her faith, converted hundreds of fellow prisoners to Christianity, and was ultimately martyred around the year 200 AD. She is venerated as a Great Martyr in the Eastern Orthodox Church, a title reserved for the most heroic witnesses of the faith during the era of Roman persecution.

Q: Why is Saint Christina called a “Great Martyr”?
A: In the Eastern Orthodox Church, the title of Great Martyr is given to saints who suffered exceptional and prolonged tortures during the Roman persecution of Christians before the Edict of Milan in 313 AD, and who were widely venerated across the entire Church for their courage. Saint Christina endured beatings, a fiery wheel, drowning, imprisonment, a burning furnace, and ultimately death by the sword — all without renouncing Christ. Her steadfastness, the miracles that accompanied her sufferings, and the hundreds she brought to faith make her one of the most celebrated among the women Great Martyrs, alongside Saints Catherine of Alexandria, Barbara, Paraskevi, and Irene.

Q: When is Saint Christina’s feast day?
A: The feast day of Saint Christina the Great Martyr is celebrated on July 24th each year in the Eastern Orthodox Church. On this day, Orthodox Christians named Christina, Kristina, Christiana, or Chris celebrate their name day — a deeply meaningful occasion in Greek and Orthodox tradition, often marked with even more joy than a birthday.

Q: Is this icon a good name day gift for someone named Christina?
A: Absolutely. This icon is one of the most personal and meaningful name day gifts you can give to anyone named Christina, Kristina, Christiana, Chrissie, or Tina whose patron saint is Saint Christina the Great Martyr. Her feast day is July 24th, making the weeks surrounding that date a natural occasion to gift this icon. It is also a beautiful and lasting gift for baptisms, housewarmings, graduations, or any occasion where you want to honor someone with a deep connection to this beloved saint.

Q: How is this icon made?
A: Each icon is handcrafted in Brooklyn, New York by CMT Graphics. A high-quality sacred image of Saint Christina is applied to solid wood using the decoupage technique — a careful process of layering and sealing the image onto the wood for a durable, long-lasting finish. Every piece is hand-finished, so slight variations in color or surface texture are a natural and expected part of the handmade process.

Q: Is this a hand-painted icon?
A: No. This is a handmade wooden mounted icon created using the decoupage technique — not an original hand-painted or hagiographic icon. It is crafted with reverence for Orthodox iconographic tradition and is intended as a meaningful devotional piece for home use, gifting, or personal prayer. This icon offers an accessible, beautifully made, and affordable devotional option.

Q: What size is this icon?
A: This icon measures 2.5″ × 3.5″ (approximately 6.5 × 9 cm) — a compact, pocket-sized format that fits beautifully on a prayer corner shelf, nightstand, home office desk, or car dashboard.

Q: Does it come with a magnet?
A: Yes. The back of the icon features a strong magnet, so you can display it easily on a refrigerator, metal cabinet, car dashboard, or any magnetic surface — no nails or hardware required. This makes it ideal for renters, travelers, or anyone who prefers a damage-free display option.

Q: Where can I display a Saint Christina icon?
A: This icon is well-suited for a home prayer corner (iconostasis), bedroom nightstand, office desk, car dashboard, or kitchen wall. Many Orthodox Christians place an icon of their patron saint near their front door, in their bedroom, or at their work desk as a daily reminder of their saint’s intercession and protection.

Q: Is Saint Christina the patron saint of anyone in particular?
A: Saint Christina is especially venerated by those who bear her name, as well as by Christians who feel a particular devotion to the women Great Martyrs of the early Church. Her story — of a young woman who came to faith through her own contemplation of creation, defied her father’s pagan authority, and endured extraordinary suffering with unshakeable courage — makes her a powerful patron for young women, converts to Orthodoxy, and all who seek strength in times of trial.

Q: Can I request a custom size for my favorite Saint, Lord, or Panagia for my home?
A: Yes. We can accommodate custom prepaid requests to fit your specific home prayer corner (iconostasis) or wall display. Please email us at shop@cmtgraphics.com to discuss your custom project.