Icon- St. Panteleimon (1) - small

Small icon of St. Panteleimon (12th c.)

Keyhole cutout on back for hanging.

Approximate dimensions: 5 3/4" x 4 3/4"

Pantoleon, as he was born, was a pagan in the city of Nicomedia, where he studied medicine.  He learned of the Christian Faith through St. Hermolaus, whose home he often visited.  On one occasion he happened to see a child that had been bitten by a poisonous snake that was still nearby.  Pantoleon began to pray to Jesus Christ for the dead child to be resurrected and reptile to die. He firmly resolved that should his prayers be answered, he would become a follower of Christ and would accept Holy Baptism. Pantoleon saw the child come back to life and the great viper burst into pieces.  Following this miracle, Pantoleon was baptized by St. Hermolaus with the name Panteleimon (meaning "all merciful") referring to his veneration as a healer.