Description

St. Peter lived during the first century AD and was martyred in Rome around AD 64–67. He is honoured as the Mouthpiece and Chief of the Apostles. He was originally named Simon and worked as a fisherman in Galilee with his brother Andrew. Christ gave him the name Peter after his confession that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16). Although Peter denied the Lord three times during the Passion, the risen Christ restored him through a threefold command to tend His flock, revealing the depth of repentance and divine mercy.

Following Pentecost, Peter preached boldly in Jerusalem, healed the sick, endured imprisonment and received the Gentile Cornelius into the Church. According to Tradition, he was eventually crucified upside down in Rome because he considered himself unworthy to die in precisely the same manner as Christ. Icons show him as an elderly Apostle with short grey hair and beard, often carrying a scroll, keys or a cross. These attributes recall his confession of faith, his pastoral ministry and his faithful martyrdom.

Icon Source & Historical Details

Location: Dionysiou Monastery, Mount Athos

Iconographer: 

Date: 16th century

Tradition: Cretan

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