Saint Eudokim | Gold and Silver foiled icon lithography mounted on wood | Size: 3 1/2" x 2 1/2"

Born in Cappadocia to pious parents, Basil and Eudocius. In the time of Emperor Theophilus (829–842), Eudocius was a young army officer. But also as a soldier he made every effort to live according to the commandments of the gospel. He kept his chastity immaculate and avoided even talking to any woman except his mother; he was merciful to the poor, careful in reading sacred books, and even more careful in his prayers to God. He avoided vain parties and nonsense. It was "In the midst of the turmoil and vanity of the world, like a lily among thorns and like gold in the midst of fire." Because of his unusual virtues, the emperor appointed him duke of Cappadocia. At that high position, Eudocius sought to be righteous before God and man. But, by God's Providence, he died early, in his thirty-third year. His relics appeared to be whole. A mad man reached his grave and recovered, and a captured child got up and became healthy. Eighteen months later, his mother opened the coffin and found his body alive, with no sign of decay. And a wonderful fragrance came out of the saint's body. Later, his relics were transferred to Constantinople and buried in the new church of the Most Holy Mother of God, founded by the pious parents of this righteous Evdokim.