Saint Maurice the Martyr

Orthodox icon of Saint Maurice the Martyr on thick plywood 20mm, which does not sting and keeps its shape over time. Preparation with acrylic stucco and have been used acrylic colors. It has been covered with varnish to keep the colors undiluted in time and humidity. Hanging clip included on the back of the icon.  

St. Maurice was captan of a legion of soldier who were martyred in the year 286 for their faith in Christ. He and Sts. Exuperius, Candidus, Victor, Innocent, and their 6,600 companions were sent from Egypt to Agaunum (15 miles from Lake Geneva) to put down a rebellion against Roman authority. When the commander ordered sacrifices and oaths in preparation for battle, the whole legion refused to honor the pagan Gods. Maurice encouraged them to remain true to their faith in Christ. When Emperor Maximian who was in a near-by place called Octudurum. heard this news, he repeatedly commanded them to obey his rules and orders. After their constant and unanimous refusal, he ordered the legion to be "decimated". At first every tenth man was put to death hoping to bring the other to obey out of fear. Since they stood firm to their faith a second "decimation" was ordered but they all declared that they would never allow themselves to carry out such a sacrilegious order. His feast day is on September 22.