In this picture, the author, Sergei Simakov, depicted one of the most venerated Russian Orthodox hierarchs, Leontius, Bishop of Rostov and Suzdal. According to the legend, Leontius felt an urge to lead a secluded monk life at an early age. He got training in Constantinople, and in the 2nd half of the 11th century was sent to the city of Rostov as bishop, a vicarious ruler of the region. Rostov was then dominated by pagans, so Leontius was a solitary defender of Christian faith. According to one source, he was killed by pagans and died the death of a martyr while other sources claim he died peacefully.
In the picture, Leontius is placed in the centre. He is wearing the traditional disguise of a bishop: a broad cloak without sleeves (phaelonion) and a long shoulder belt with crosses (omophorion). From the sky, a pillar of light falls on Leontius, who is surrounded by children. According to his life stories, pagans banished him from Rostov. Leontius settled in the country and began to teach fundamentals of Christian faith to children — he could not convert the older generation, who wallowed in paganism. One child in the picture is shown with a book, another is holding a burning candle, a symbol of prayer addressing God.
In the picture, Leontius is placed in the centre. He is wearing the traditional disguise of a bishop: a broad cloak without sleeves (phaelonion) and a long shoulder belt with crosses (omophorion). From the sky, a pillar of light falls on Leontius, who is surrounded by children. According to his life stories, pagans banished him from Rostov. Leontius settled in the country and began to teach fundamentals of Christian faith to children — he could not convert the older generation, who wallowed in paganism. One child in the picture is shown with a book, another is holding a burning candle, a symbol of prayer addressing God.
