Four martyrs of the name of Parasceva are worshipped in Christianity. This icon probably shows the Great Martyr Parasceva of Iconium who lived in the 3rd century A.D. Her parents were faithful Christians and named their daughter after Christ martyrdom on the Good Friday: in Greek that day of the week is called Παρασκευή (pronounced as Parasceve).

The icon St. Martyr Parasceva was painted by Rybinsk craftsmen in mid-18th century. The icon was painted with tempera on primer. The primer is a mixture of glue and chalk, and the tempera is paints of powdered pigments dissolved in egg yolk. Before the application, the yolk was kept in a warm place until it eased to be soft. While the egg base was perishable, a bit of kvas that acted as a preservative, or a few drops of clove oil. The pigments were pre-pulverized with ceramic tiles and special ceramic or bone mortars. The completed image was coated with boiled linseed oil. In air the oil would quickly set solid, while dirt particles that might accidentally get onto the icon were very hard to remove. Therefore, some icon painters, during the work, would flood the floor with water to prevent dust raising. Baroque features are visible in the icon: a dimensional image of the Saint, intense colors, realistic landscape, meticulously drafted architectural items and curling clouds. The position of St. Parasceva’s hands is secularly elegant, the nimbus is painted in the form of beams, and the garments of the God the Father Sabaoth are waving. Baroque features are visible in the icon: a dimensional image of the Saint, intense colors, realistic landscape, meticulously drafted architectural items and curling clouds. The position of St. Parasceva’s hands is secularly elegant, the nimbus is painted in the form of beams, and the garments of the God the Father Sabaoth are waving.