Icons of Apostles & Evangelists

The Twelve, the Evangelists and the first missionaries

The apostles were the men Jesus chose and sent out — apostolos, "one who is sent". After Pentecost they carried the Gospel from Jerusalem to the ends of the known world, and almost all of them died for what they preached. The Evangelists — Matthew, Mark, Luke and John — are the authors of the four Gospels, which is why they are honoured alongside the apostles in Christian art.

How to recognise them

Apostles and evangelists are never anonymous in an icon. Each one carries his attribute: Peter the keys, Paul the sword, Andrew the saltire cross, John the eagle and the book, Luke the winged ox, Mark the winged lion, Matthew the winged man, Thomas the builder's square. In our Saint Icons A-Z index you will find each of them under their own name.

Where these icons are used

Icons of the apostles belong in churches — the twelve are traditionally depicted around the altar or on the iconostasis — and in homes, where an icon of one's patron apostle is a common baptism or confirmation gift. Peter and Paul are the patrons of fishermen, popes and missionaries; Andrew of Scotland, Greece and fishermen; John of theologians and writers.

Icons of the apostles in our collection

Every icon is printed on a solid alder wood board and finished by hand with genuine gold leaf, in several sizes from small devotional formats to large church pieces. If you are looking for a particular apostle, search by name or write to us — larger and custom formats can be ordered on request.

Learn more: guides and articles

• Icons of the Apostles and Evangelists: Peter, Paul and John
• Saint Symbols: How to Recognize Saints in Icons