symbolism in icons

St John Damacene, Doctor of the Early Church

St Nicholas, 

Patron Saint to Children,

St Basil

Best known as an orator, teacher and was tireless in his pastoral care. Though not recognized greatly in his lifetime, his writings rightly place him among the great doctors of the Church.  He worked towards giving justice to victims of prostitution trafficking in Cappadocia.  He was known to be accomplished in statesmanship.  

St Patrick

Patrick was a humble, pious gentle man, with love and total devotion to and trust in God.  He is associated with the Shamrock, which he used to teach about the Holy Trinity.

He is known for this Prayer:

"Christ be within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ inquired, Christ i

St John the Baptist

St Matthew

Little is known about Matthew, except that he was the son of Alpheus, and he was likely born in Galilee.  He worked as a tax collector.  Many years following the death of Christ, around 50 AD, Matthew wrote his gospel account.  His book is the first of four gospels found in the New Testament.  He wrote the book in Aramaic in the hope that his account would convince his fellow people that