Saint Irene the Great Martyr lived around the 4th century. She was from Magedon, daughter of the local lord Likinios.

Her original name was Penelope. But when he embraced Christianity he was baptized Peace. The Christian tradition states that he was of exceptional beauty and education and with particular eloquence and intense religious zeal. He undertook missionary duties in Persia during Sapphor I where he suffered great persecution.

Eventually Irene took refuge in Ephesus, continuing to teach with even greater zeal and with brilliant results until her death which took place in the same city. The Orthodox Church proclaimed Irene a Saint and a Great Martyr and appointed her to be honored on May 5 each year.

He was the protector of the Greek Gendarmerie and today of the Cypriot Police.

The Holy Cross of Agia is kept in the Holy Temple of Agia Irini in Riganokampos, Patras.

Dimension: 30x40cm.
Hagiography with oil and gold leaf on wood