Hand painted icon of Saint Maximus of Kafsokalyvia, made in Mount Athos, on natural wood. The icon is delivered in a wooden box.
Saint Maximus of Kafsokalyvia, born as Manuel, was born around 1270 AD in the city of Lampsacus in Hellespont. He hailed from devout and virtuous parents who were unable to conceive a child until advanced age. Thus, they dedicated Maximus to Theotokos, fulfilling their promise to God for the divine gift of their son's birth. At the age of 17, Maximus resolved to embrace the monastic life and journeyed to Mount Ganos in eastern Thrace. After a short stay in Constantinople and Thessaloniki, he settled in the Monastery of Great Lavra on Mount Athos, where he initially lived in a community and later served as a chanter.Occasioned by the appearance of the Virgin Mary Vrefokratousa in his dreams, he began to live in absolute asceticism. He did not dwell in one place permanently but constructed caves or huts by himself, which he burned when he departed for another location. Thus, he was called the Hut-Burner. Saint Maximus peacefully reposed at the age of 95 and his memory is honored on January 13th.
