Russian Orthodox Icon of Ss. Florus & Laurus

Saints Florus & Laurus Please do not deep-link to any of our icons.
Ss. Elashippus, Speushippus & Melashippus

August 18th Troparion (Tone 5)
You were practiced in the ways of godliness and gladly ran your course of martyrdom, and as illustrious kinsmen you were glorified by Christ. O Floros and Lauros, we praise you as noble athletes, and we cry to you: O Saints, deliver us from all necessities.

Florus & Laurus (also spelled Floros & Lavros) were brothers and stonemasons in Illyria. they were pressed into service to build a pagan temple for a prince. During the construction a stone splintered and flew into the eye of the son of the pagan priest who was too closely watching the brothers work. The priest, Merentius, saw his blinded and bleeding son and tried to thrash the brothers. They admonished him that if he would believe on Christ, his son would be healed. The priest agreed. Florus & Laurus prayed and made the sign of the Cross over the child's eye. He was healed instantly. They gave up paganism and were baptized. Soon after they were martyred by fire. When the brothers finished the temple, they placed a Cross on top, called all the Christians together, and held an all night vigil of hymns in the Name of the Lord Jesus. The governor then burned many of the Christians and had Florus & Laurus buried alive in a dry well. More than a century later, people noticed horses drinking from that spot, revealing the saints perfectly preserved bodies. Their relics were translated to Constantinople. The spring was noted for its power to heal horses. Elashippus, Speushippus & Melashippus were Cappadocian brothers, two of them twins, who were grooms and horse doctors, who had learned their skills from Ss. Florus & Laurus and the Archangel Michael. These three were also martyred for their faith. Laurus & Florus suffered in the early 2nd Century. On their feast day, it has been the custom to drive all of the horses down to a river or pond, after liturgy. Then a molebin is held, the waters are blessed and the horses are bathed. It is a day of rest for horses. Michael is particularly known for the protection of horses & cattle. Thus, he is at the top of the icon conveying blessing on all surrounding.

This icon is from the end of the 15th century of the Novgorod School.

Order #pdr-24