St. Philopater Mercurius/ Abu Seifein Icon, Egyptian Coptic Orthodox

Description

Mercurius (Coptic:
Ⲫⲓⲗⲟⲡⲁⲧⲏⲣ
Ⲙⲉⲣⲕⲟⲩⲣⲓⲟⲥ
; d. AD 250) was a  Christian saint and a martyr. He was born in the city of Eskentos in Cappadocia, in Eastern Asia Minor (modern day Turkey / Eastern Asia Minor). His parents were converts to Christianity and they called him "Philopater" or "Philopatyr" (a Greek name which means 'Lover of the Father'). They reared him in a Christian manner. When he grew to adulthood (at the age of 17), he enlisted in the Roman army during the days of Emperor Decius, the pagan. He gained a great reputation among his superiors as a swordsman and a tactician in many battles. They called him Mercurius and he grew very close to the Emperor.
Saint Mercurius is also known by the name Abu-Seifein (
أبو
سيفين
), which in Arabic means "the holder [literally, owns/possess] of two swords," referring to a second sword given to him, by the Archangel Michael. He was given this name by The Berbers who fought against him.
Coptic Orthodox icon in Egg Tempera Technique
Total size of the icon: 20 x 20 x 1.8 cm