Lot number 2237 - Auction 142
IKONE MIT DEN HEILIGEN HEIRATSVERMITTLERN SAMON, GURIJ UND AVIV

AN ICON SHOWING STS. SAMON, GURIY AND AVIV Russian, 16th/17th century Tempera on wood panel with double kovcheg. The background and border stripped to gesso, partially restored. 28 x 24.4 cm. In the Orthodox Church, Samon, Gurij, and Aviv are well-known saints who are venerated as martyrs. They were missionaries and Christians in the early 4th century who lived in Mesopotamia. Known as the Holy Martyrs Gurij, Samon, and Aviv, they distinguished themselves through their faith and steadfastness during times of Christian persecution. In the Orthodox Church, Saints Gurij, Samon, and Aviv are also venerated as holy matchmakers. This special veneration is based on a tradition that tells how they once saved an innocent girl from an unfortunate marriage. According to the legend, a Christian girl named Euphrosyne trusted a man who promised to marry her. He left her in the care of his family while he traveled on business. However, after his departure, his family mistreated her and treated her like a slave. In her desperation, Euphrosyne prayed to Saints Gurij, Samon, and Aviv for help. Through their intercession, she was able to escape the situation and returned safely to her home. Since then, these saints have been regarded as protectors of those seeking a happy and sincere marriage. People ask for their help in finding a faithful and good spouse, or for assistance in preserving a marriage from difficulties. Their feast day, celebrated on November 15th, is often observed by people seeking their intercession in matters of the heart.