Description

St. Justin Martyr (c. AD 100–165) was born in Samaria and devoted his youth to seeking truth through the philosophical schools of the ancient world. After encountering an elderly Christian who directed him towards the prophets and Christ, Justin embraced the faith while retaining the philosopher’s cloak. He taught that whatever is genuinely true and good within human thought finds its fulfilment in Christ, the divine Logos.

Justin established a school in Rome and wrote public defences of Christianity, appealing for believers to be judged by their conduct rather than condemned merely for bearing Christ’s name. His writings (the Dialogue with Trypho and Apologies) also preserve valuable early testimony concerning Baptism, the Eucharist and Christian worship. Arrested with several companions, he refused to sacrifice to the Roman gods and was beheaded around AD 165.

Icon Source & Historical Details

Location: Stravonikita Monastery, Mount Athos

Iconographer: Theophanes the Cretan

Date: 16th century

Tradition: Cretan

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