In 320, forty Roman soldiers refused to offer sacrifices to idols and declared themselves to be Christians. They were exposed naked on frozen Lake Sebaste in Lesser Armenia.
They all endured the cold except one, who rushed to a bath of hot water placed close to the lake by the governor. He died instantly, stricken by the difference in temperature and was replaced by a guard, visible in profile on the left.
This icon is dated and signed by an unknown artist, Nikitarea.
