Hand painted Orthodox icon on wood, “St. Mardarius”, miniature, 7x10cm

This hand-painted Orthodox icon represents the Holy Martyr Mardarius, one of the five holy Martyrs of Sevasta - celebrated by the Orthodox Church on December 13. Original artwork by Ana Drăgan (DAM), painted on wood in tempera colours.

During the persecutions under the pagan emperors Diocletian and Maximian, five Christians - Eustratius, Auxentius, Eugenius, Mardarius, and Orestes - boldly confessed their faith in Christ before the governors Lysias and Agricola.

Saint Eustratius, a Roman official, was the first to present himself for judgment, openly confessing Christ and enduring terrible tortures. His courage inspired the others, including Saint Eugenius, who declared his faith after witnessing the miracle worked upon Eustratius. The priest Auxentius was beheaded for refusing to return to idolatry, and the soldier Orestes, discovered to be a Christian, was burned on a red-hot iron bed.

In this context of witness and martyrdom, Saint Mardarius stands out in a special way. Seeing Eustratius being led to his sufferings, Mardarius approached him, praising his bravery. With his wife’s blessing, he voluntarily joined him, openly telling the soldiers that he too was a Christian. He was immediately arrested and brought before Lysias.

Despite threats and promises, Saint Mardarius remained steadfast in his faith. He was subjected to extremely cruel tortures: his ankles were pierced with iron spikes, he was hung upside down, and his back and kidneys were burned with red-hot irons. Thus he surrendered his soul into the hands of the Lord, receiving the crown of martyrdom for his sacrificial courage and unwavering love for Christ.

The Holy Martyrs Eustratius, Auxentius, Eugenius, Mardarius, and Orestes are commemorated together on December 13.