One hot summer afternoon I called a good man to wish him a happy birthday. He, being a little familiar with my work, asked for a painting of a Saint. The problem was that it was up to me to choose what suited him.
I must say, it was not easy. And for a long time there was no answer as to what would suit him, what would give warmth to his soul, who would illuminate him with the light that the Saint can illuminate.
I studied his horoscope, according to the zodiac and the Chinese calendar, I picked up colours and stones, but everything was wrong, something was missing again.
And then one day it hit me. There is a Saint with the same name in the christening. And He has a particular importance. He has done great things in all earthly affairs. He is imperishable.
Sergius of Radonezh — that’s the solution! And on the same day I bought canvas, paints and stones in the colours I needed. I selected an image from the icons. I made a sketch. I gave the first tone. I glued on the gold leaf. All in one day. All in the blink of an eye. Prayers. Church chanting. And it was a enjoyment.
In the evening, happy and blissful, as if by obsession, I had saw the news. It was not an easy day. It was the Day of Remembrance of St. Sergius of Radonezh!
I thank the Almighty for the illumination!
Venerable Sergius of Radonezh is considered in Orthodoxy to be an example of compassion, mercy, kindness and divine love.
People go to the Venerable Sergius with prayers for healing of soul and body, for guidance of rulers, for protection of the country from enemy attacks, for the prosperity of cities, as well as for receiving grace. He gets rid of pride, helps in studies. With special appeals and special songs of praise and prayers go to the icons of the ascetic on the days of memory: 25 September (8 October), 23 May (5 June), 5 (18) and 6 (19) July, because the Righteous Saint helps in the most difficult circumstances of life. He protects widows, children left without care and supervision. Men who bear the same name are under His protection!
While working on this painting, I lived in prayer to the Reverend. I studied the life of the Saint. I felt the joy, the light, the warmth of the colours! A rush of calm, goodness and illumination…

TITLE: The image on canvas of the Reverend Sergius of Radonezh
YEAR: 2023
ARTWORK TYPE: Original Art/One of a kind
DIMENSIONS: 20х30 cm
TECHNIQUES: Oil, Dutch gold, Rhinestones
RELATED THEMES: Religious art, Christian art
SUPPORT OR SURFACE: Canvas
FRAMING: No