He was born of a father from Cappadocia and a mother from Palestine. He was an officer in the Roman army who was illustrious in battle and highly honored for his courage. When Emperor Diocletian demanded that all his soldiers make pagan sacrifice as proof of their loyalty, he presented himself before Emperor Diocletian and denounced his idols.
When threats and promises could not move him from his steadfast confession, he was put through inhumane tortures which he endured with great bravery, overcoming them by his faith and love towards Christ.
By the wondrous signs that took place in his contest, he guided many to the knowledge of the Truth, including Alexandra, wife of Diocletian. He was finally beheaded at Nicomedia in Asia Minor.
Scripture often associates the devil with dangerous animals. In the same way, this icon depicts him as a young beardless man in combat with the Evil One, signified by the dragon. Victorious in his struggles, he thus defends and protects the Church of Christ signified by a royal maiden underneath a Church tower. His lance is surmounted by a cross to represent his sufferings and death as a martyr for Christ and his soldier cape is red to denote the blood of his martyrdom while an angel descends from heaven and places a crown of victory on his head.