Hand painted Orthodox icon on wood, "Saint Theodore the Stratelates", 20x26 cm

This hand-painted Orthodox wooden icon represents The Holy Great Martyr Theodore the Stratelates, also known as Theodore the Heraclea - regarded as the patron saint of soldiers. Saint Theodore the Stratelates is commemorated by the Orthodox Church on February 8.

Original artwork in tempera colours by Ana Drăgan (DAM).

The Holy Great Martyr Theodore the Stratelates, also Theodore the Heraclea, was a Roman Stratelates (General) who, in the early fourth century, as a Christian preached the Gospel while serving as the military commander in the city of Heraclea in Thrace until emperor Licinius had him tortured and then beheaded after he refused to sacrifice to the Roman gods. St. Theodore is regarded as the patron saint of soldiers. He is commemorated on February 8. The translation of his relics is remembered on June 8.

Source: orthodoxwiki.org