Russian Icon - St John, the Greatmartyr & Soldier with Scenes of His Life and Martyrdom

Saint John the Warrior or John the Soldier in the Catholic Church is a Christian saint and martyr. He was born in the 4th century and lived until his death in the Byzantine Empire. Forced by Julian the Apostate to serve as a warrior against Christianity, he was imprisoned after being caught helping people in need or defending Christians, and awaited there his death penalty. However, John the Warrior was released after the death of the emperor during a war. The Warrior is always depicted as having dark hair and a beard, as well as wearing a weskit, trousers, boots, scale armour and a cape. Three symbols characterizes him; cross, spear and shield.