Patron Saint Icons
A patron saint is a person who has received salvation and resides in heaven, in close communion with the Holy Trinity and all the saints. Patron saints hear the personal prayers of those still living and intercede for their requests and needs, a relationship that can continue for a lifetime.
Understanding a patron saint
What is a patron saint?
A patron saint is someone whose eternal salvation has been accomplished, and who now rests in "Abraham's bosom." Patron saints can be monastics or people from secular life. They can be married, parents, grandparents, godparents, or anyone known to have been "saved." Saint Maria of Paris is one example.
How is a patron saint chosen?
Patron saints can be chosen in many ways.
For a whole family. Some are chosen very early and represent an entire family, such as the Serbian slava, which is passed from generation to generation.
Individually. Many people take the saint whose name they bear, or the saint of the day of the child's birth or baptism.
Through spiritual events. Some patrons come from profounder events such as the Annunciation or the Resurrection, or from the holy angels, as in the name Angelica.
In the western world it is customary to celebrate only one's birthday. Celebrating one's name day is a more ancient and venerable tradition. Honouring a patron saint is a celebration for the entire Church, clergy and lay persons together.
How a saint is recognized
Saints are known as saints because they followed a Godly lifestyle. The majority of saints are unknown to us, while some have been revealed by God. Revelation can be quick or can take a very long time. A living person is never deemed a saint until after their death. Public recognition often comes before formal canonization; sometimes it follows almost immediately, sometimes it takes centuries. The laity are usually the first to recognize sanctity.
How an icon helps this relationship
Readiness.
The icon shows the patron saint always in an attitude of readiness. It is never simply an illustration. It depicts preparedness to act and to aid.
History and meaning.
The icon shows the saint both as a historical person and as a philosophical concept.
Presence, not entertainment.
The icon never attempts to entertain. It shows an eternal presence that is benign and profound, purposefully showing little emotion.
Attributes
An icon shows the attributes of the patron saint: who the saint is and what he or she did, and above all what the saint continues to do. A patron may be a warrior of ancient times, or a bishop or deacon showing his calling. The icon can also depict scenes from the saint's life.
