Saint Peter the Apostle Icon Description

The Apostle Peter is a highly revered saint in Christianity and one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ. He was the eldest of Christ’s disciples and, therefore, is regarded as the closest to God. It is known that St. Peter regularly accompanied Jesus at sermons and witnessed the Transfiguration, the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection. The Apostle icon is highly valued by Orthodox believers and is often displayed in churches and monasteries.

Saint Peter the Apostle: a brief hagiography

The Apostle Peter, whose true name was Simon, was born in Bethsaida. Simon’s brother was the Apostle Andrew, and the Apostle Philip also came from his hometown. According to tradition, Simon had children and was a fisherman on Lake Gennesaret. The Holy Apostle Peter and the other disciples received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

Peter was quickly recognized among the apostles and the rest of Christ’s followers as the head of Jerusalem’s first Christian community. He undertook the responsibility of choosing a candidate among the apostles to replace Judas who had betrayed Christ. Interestingly, the saint was the first to perform a public miracle, healing a lame man near Solomon’s Temple.

According to tradition, Peter traveled widely to preach the word of God. He visited Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, and other regions. St. Peter was executed in Rome during the reign of Emperor Nero. The apostle’s Memorial Day is June 29.

Saint Peter the Apostle icon

The Apostle Peter is usually portrayed as an elder with a strong stature and wavy gray hair. He has a short beard and coarse facial features. The traditional clothing of the Apostle Peter is a blue or green chiton and a yellow or ochre-colored himation atop it.

The apostle icon of St. Peter and St. Paul has become a widely popular shrine among Orthodox believers. Besides, their images form part of the Deesis tier: the Apostle Peter is placed on the right hand of the Savior, and the Apostle Paul – on the left.

One of the antique icons of the Apostle Peter is the Sinai Encaustic icon painted in Constantinople in the early 6th century. The saint’s figure looks solemn, holding a cross as a reminder of preaching in the name of Christ.

St. Peter the Apostle icon depicts him as a true preacher and disciple of Jesus Christ. This shrine would make an excellent gift for any Orthodox believer and religious icon collector.