Saint Lucy (Whirledge) Icon - S722

One of the most renowned women saints of the early church is the virgin martyr Lucy (or Lucia). This wonderful saint was born in Syracuse, Sicily in the year 283 AD to wealthy parents. She was raised a Christian and as a young woman vowed to remain a virgin and dedicate her life to Christ.

Lucy lived during the great persecution of Christians under Diocletian. After denying a pagan suitor her hand in marriage, she was denounced to the authorities as a Christian by the embittered man. The judge condemned her to torture, but as they attempted to drag her away, she miraculously became extremely heavy and stood rooted to the spot through the Lord’s intervention. The pagans then tried to burn her where she stood, but without success. During the struggle, her eyes were put out by her attackers. However, God miraculously healed her. Finally, one of the enraged men thrust a blade into her, completing her sufferings as a martyr.

To this day she is widely commemorated, especially in Scandinavian countries such as Sweden. Festivals in the region celebrate the light with which her spirit shone — for her feast, derived from the Latin lux meaning light, occurs in the long dark months of the northern winter, serving as a reminder of God's faithfulness amid the struggles of life. Her feast takes place on the 13th of December. 

Lucy is known as a patron saint and protector of the blind or those with other eye diseases. This stems from the torture of the putting out of her eyes and her miraculous healing.

In this icon by Brian Whirledge, Lucy stands holding a crown symbolizing her martyrdom. She is also wearing a beautiful dress and veil which reminds the faithful of her loyalty to her Lord and Savior as a virgin martyr.

This icon is offered by Legacy Icons with the permission of the iconographer, Brian Matthew Whirledge.