Object ID
2000.15.2
Object Name
Icon
Object Description
A gold-framed icon entitled "Agios Fanourios," or Saint Fanourios, the figure is stamped in aluminum with his hands and face painted on paper behind him.
Origin
Saint Fanourios is, without doubt, an important and holy youthful figure, who stands out in a particular way among the other Saints of Christianity, as he is not only honored on a single date, but the faithful often make use of the well-known “fanouropita” (Fanourios cake). Saint Fanourios, who lived during Roman times, went up bravely against the idolatrous world, for the Christian spirit of this man of God did not allow him to deny his unquestionably virtuous principles. Thus, the 12 tortures that the Saint suffered constitute for us a strong motivation for perseverance and adherence to the moral values of Christianity, to come out victors from the incessant struggle of unbelief and injustice of our time. This Saint teaches us with his real sacrifice that even though we do not struggle against Roman soldiers and vile Hagarenes, still we have to confront the more skillfully set traps of materialism and atheism, that attempt en masse to overwhelm the Christian order.

Saint Fanourios also taught us that the crown of a virtuous life is not easily won but only through continuous tests – with boldness, patience, and perseverance. Therefore, as true fighters of the faith let us imitate the exemplary and irreproachable life of the Saint, so that we too may be found worthy to honour the Christian name we bear, as he so fittingly did.
Rights and Reproduction
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Citation
Icon, National Hellenic Museum, https://collections.nationalhellenicmuseum.org/Detail/objects/10600. Accessed 04/19/24.