Synaxis of the Holy Unmercenaries - Athonite
Synaxis of the Holy Unmercenaries - Athonite
Synaxis of the Holy Unmercenaries - Athonite
Synaxis of the Holy Unmercenaries - Athonite
Synaxis of the Holy Unmercenaries - Athonite
Synaxis of the Holy Unmercenaries - Athonite
Synaxis of the Holy Unmercenaries - Athonite
Synaxis of the Holy Unmercenaries - Athonite
Synaxis of the Holy Unmercenaries - Athonite
Synaxis of the Holy Unmercenaries - Athonite

Synaxis of the Holy Unmercenaries

$120.00
The "Holy Unmercenaries" are an honored group of Orthodox Christian Saints who refused payment for good deeds, most notably for healing of body but also for other services. These Saints lived out Christ's exhortation: "Freely you have received, freely give." (Matthew 10:8). The word "unmercenaries" is a transliteration of the Greek term "αναργυρων" which literally means "without silver", indicating that the Saints refused payment for their services, since silver was the primary currency during the early years of the Church and, indeed, throughout most of human history since the invention of currency.

Refusal to accept payment for services was conspicuously countercultural during the Roman imperial period and was viewed with great suspicion by pagan contemporaries. Even today we see similar attitudes, where free services are viewed as some type of charity program, rather than individual acts of Christian love. Many Holy Unmercenaries were martyred for their refusal to denounce Christ after being witnessed healing in His name and refusing payment. In the process, many thousands of souls were converted to the One True Faith when the Holy Unmercenaries bore witness to Christ. There are many Saints who bear the title "Unmercenary" and we ask for their intercessions for our salvation and their aid in becoming more unmercenary ourselves!

This icon is made of solid, natural Limewood that has been prepared by hand using traditional methods and organic materials. The background is comprised of 22 Karat gold leaves that were meticulously applied by hand, piece by piece.  

All of our icons are reproduced according to museum print standards and are authentic replicas of Holy Icons from Mount Athos and elsewhere. 

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Learn more about how our Holy Icons are made here. 

From the moment you first hold your Holy Icon, you will see the exquisite details that bear truth to the meticulous preparation and creation of the image, as well as feel the depth and weight of the solid wood upon which it is portrayed. One of our larger icon dimensions (11.8" x 15.7"/30 x 40 cm) weighs more than 5 pounds! 

Because we value quality even in the details, your Holy Icon will be shipped in luxury packaging and can be presented as a gift for a friend or family member.

We are proud to offer the highest quality products! However, if you are not satisfied with your purchase, you may return it for an exchange or refund, free of charge! We offer free return shipping for all orders, so long as: 
a) Item(s) are been purchased in the last 30 days.
b) Item(s) are returned with their original blue box and/or packaging.
c) Both the packaging and item(s) are in their original condition.

You can read our full Refund & Return Policy here.

Customer Reviews

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Dr Tad Shadid
A truly amazing experience!

We purchased the” Synaxis of the Holy Unmercenaries” as a gift for some dear friends of ours and it arrived in perfect condition and my wife and I thought it was the most beautiful icon that we have ever seen! Our friends were brought to tears when they saw it. Thank you Athonite you all are the best!

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Antigoni Kouloukis
Icons from Athonite

The only thing I can say for this beautiful Shop (ATHONITE) is that it is GREAT !!
I have purchased many Icons from them ( for me and for Gifts) and every icon has been exceptional !! Great prices,,,great work and very professional people !! Would highly recommend them !! Keep it up Athonite!!!

Compare Dimensions

Our most popular dimensions are pictured, to scale. 

Icon Styles

Depending on the size and theme, Holy Icons are available in both Recessed and Level styles.

recessed

The groove in our recessed icons adds depth to the Iconography, making the icon even more dramatic and impressive. In order to keep the relative proportions, the depth of the groove changes with the size of the Holy Icon.

Level

Level icons allow the Iconography to retain its boldness even in smaller sizes. As such most of our level icons have smaller dimensions.

Backside Details

Backside details vary with icon size and serve to ensure that your Holy Icon will stand the test of time. 

Solid wooden icons of larger dimensions are prone to bending and damaging as time passes. Fortunately, our Holy Icons are supported by two additional, horizontal wooden protective panels on the backside. These panels bolster the icon and allow it to sustain its shape, ensuring that your Holy Icon will remain in its original, pristine condition as it is passed down from generation to generation.

Icons of smaller dimensions are naturally sustainable over time, and experience less structural stress. As such, you will find that the backside of smaller Holy Icons is flat and proportional to their shape. 

The Art of
Making Holy Icons

Learn More