Saint Christopher Religious Icon Gold & Engraved Natural Wood

Description

A popular Catholic and Eastern Orthodox saint and hero, Saint Christopher is a martyr and the Patron Saint of children and travelers. Saint Christopher is also known as Saint Christoforos in the Greek Orthodox Church.

According to tradition, Saint Christopher learned about the Christian faith from a hermit, who suggested that he dedicate his life to Christianity through prayer and fasting; however, Saint Christopher refused to fast as he was an incredibly large and tall man and frequently hungry. Instead, Saint Christopher chose to work on a river, helping travelers across. 

During his time helping travelers across the river, Saint Christopher was approached by a child asking for assistance in his crossing. While helping the child across, the river rose and the child began to get heavier, making it difficult for Saint Christopher to cross with the child. When finally he and the child made it across to safety, the child revealed himself to be Christ and explained that when Saint Christopher carried Him across the river the weight he felt was the weight of the world. 

After this, Saint Christopher travelled to Asia Minor, in an effort to convert people to Christianity. Saint Christopher evangelized numerous people, gaining the attention of the Emperor, who eventually ordered his arrest and death. Though there is no accurate reporting, it is believed Saint Christopher was beheaded in 251 AD under the Roman Emperor Decius. It is believed that the name Christopher stems from its meaning of “Christ-bearer” and is related to Saint Christopher carrying Christ across the river. While Saint Christopher has not been recognized by the Catholic Church and has no official date of canonization, his feast day is celebrated on July 25. In the Greek Orthodox Church, Saint Christopher is commemorated on May 9.