Saint John the Forerunner Byzantine Wooden Mounted Icon

Q: Who is Saint Stylianos in the Orthodox Church?
A: Saint Stylianos of Paphlagonia (also Stylian the Hermit) is a beloved 6th-century saint venerated in the Eastern Orthodox Church as the protector of children, especially infants, orphans, and the unborn. Born into wealth in Adrianopolis (modern Turkey), he distributed his inheritance, lived as a hermit, and was gifted by God to heal sick children through prayer. Even after death, icons of him were hung over children’s beds for protection. He holds a swaddled infant in icons, symbolizing his role as guardian.

Q: What are Saint Stylianos’s feast days in the Orthodox Church?
A: Saint Stylianos is commemorated on November 26 in the Orthodox liturgical calendar, honoring his life as protector of children. This date is observed across Eastern Orthodox traditions, including Greek Orthodox churches.

Q: Is this icon a good name day gift for someone named Stylianos?
A: Absolutely. This Saint Stylianos icon is a perfect, heartfelt name day gift for anyone named Stylianos, Styliani, or variations, celebrated around November 26 in Orthodox tradition. It’s also ideal for baptisms, baby showers, children’s blessings, or families seeking his intercession.

Q: Why is Saint Stylianos especially venerated by parents and childless couples?
A: Saint Stylianos is invoked as protector of children—born, unborn, sick, or orphaned—and for fertility. His prayers healed children and helped infertile women conceive, making him a powerful intercessor for parents, expectant mothers, and those facing infertility or child illnesses.

Q: What does the inscription on Saint Stylianos icons mean?
A: Icons often show Saint Stylianos holding a swaddled child with a scroll reading “PAIDON PHYLAX PEPHYKA THEOU TO DORON” (“The Protector of Children is a gift from God”), emphasizing his divine role in safeguarding the young.

Q: Is Saint Stylianos venerated on Mount Athos?
A: Yes, deeply across Orthodox monasticism, including Mount Athos. His icons and intercessions are honored for child protection, reflecting his universal appeal in Eastern Christianity.

Q: Does it come with a magnet?
A: Yes. The back features a strong magnet for easy display on refrigerators, metal cabinets, car dashboards, or any magnetic surface—no nails needed, perfect for renters or travelers.

Q: How is this icon made?
A: Handcrafted using the decoupage technique: a high-quality sacred image of Saint Stylianos is precisely layered and sealed onto solid wood for a durable, reverent finish. Each piece is hand-finished in Brooklyn, NY, with natural variations adding unique artisan character.

Q: Is this a hand-painted icon?
A: No. This is a handmade wooden-mounted icon via decoupage—not an original hagiographic painting. Crafted with deep respect for Byzantine Orthodox iconographic tradition, it’s an affordable, beautiful devotional item for home prayer or gifting.

Q: What size is this icon?
A: Approximately 2.5″ × 3.5″—compact and pocket-sized for prayer corners, nightstands, desks, or car dashboards. Easy to ship and display.

Q: Where can I display a Saint Stylianos icon?
A: Ideal for home iconostasi (prayer corner), nurseries, bedrooms, kitchens, offices, or cars. Place it as a blessing over children’s rooms, cradles, or family spaces for his protective intercession.

Q: Is this a good gift for a baby shower, baptism, or new parents?
A: Yes—one of the most fitting Orthodox gifts for baby showers, baptisms, newborns, or new parents. As patron of children and families, Saint Stylianos offers spiritual protection and blessing for little ones.

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.