Detail of Saint George on the Northwest Facade Surb Khach Church Church of the Holy Cross Akdamar Island, Van Province, Turkey
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St. George
Soldier Martyr, Roman general and convert to Christianity. Exposed as a Christian, but the military tribunal decided he was a good soldier who had made a mistake, told him to reconsider. He was set free but promptly burned down a pagan temple. He is represented riding a horse and killing a snake-like dragon (symbol of cosmic evil) with his spear.
Source: Aghtamar
The "church of the Holy Cross" was built on Aght'amar Island in Lake Van between the years 915 and 921 by Armenian King Gagik Artzruni.