0415 St Antip

Russian.
19th cent. 31x26x2.5 cms.

St. Antip is usually shown with a long pointed beard. His hair is grey with white strands. Sometimes it is curled almost as though he was wearing a wig.

St. Antip [or Antipas”] was ordained bishop of Pergamum by the Apostle St John around the year 80. He is recorded in Revelation. Addressing the citizens of Pergamum, John says ” You did not renounce your faith in me even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city – where Satan lives”.

Pergamum seems to have been “a wide open town” and the target of Bishop Antipas’ constant denouncement. Antipas [ which means “Against All”] incessantly criticised the town’s depravity which outraged the town’s pagan priests. So strongly did they object to Antpas’ preaching that hey seized him in 92 and roasted him alive in an ox shaped oven. Doubtless the strength of his faith fortified the Christian community so much as to win Revelation’s commendation.

In the last five years the icon has been cleaned and minor restoration of a cosmetic character undertaken. This involved some re-gilding of the cuffs on the vestment and some additional highlighting of the Saint’s hands to provide additional detailing.