Saint Theodore is one of the most famous martyrs in the East, and he is not the same as Saint Theodore, the army commander, whom the church celebrates on February 8. Saint Theodore of Tyrone was a commander of the Roman army during the reign of King Theo Cletian, who persecuted Christians with great and cruel persecution. However, the persecutions and tortures were not an obstacle to the magnanimity of Theodore, which was evident in his willingness to be martyred without hesitation.
Theodore was known as a chivalrous man, a faithful and valiant leader in the army, and one who was frank in living his Christian life. He did not covet life or fear death because he knew that one of his basic duties was to follow Christ’s commandment to respect one’s neighbor in order to encourage his brothers in faith to remain steadfast in their loyalty to Christ Jesus and to despise the pain and suffering caused by those far from the true faith, with the aim of obtaining the crown of victory and glory in the Kingdom. Heavens.
Theodore, the heavenly man, did not enjoy his earthly job and his prestigious position in the Roman state. Rather, he sacrificed everything because he was certain that the treasures and bliss of earth were not equivalent to the treasures and eternal bounties of heaven. He committed a mighty act by burning the temple of the pagan gods, and he openly admitted that he was the one who had done this act, because worship befits only the One Triune God and not idols, statues, or humans. He was stripped of his ranks, flogged, and deprived of food and drink. The Lord Jesus appeared to him at night and encouraged him, promising him heavenly bread and eternal joy.
Theodore remained steadfast in his faith in Jesus, so he was flogged again, his body torn with iron claws, and burned with fire, while he increased his rejoicing and singing to the Lord. Thus, he obtained the wreath of martyrdom and became the dwelling place of the righteous angels and saints in the kingdom of heaven.
The name Theodorus means gift of God. The Holy Church returns to him on February 17.
Through his intercession, O God, have mercy on us and save us, Amen.
Troparia in the second tune
Great are the corrections of faith, because Saint Theodore rejoiced in the fountain of flame as if on the water of rest, because when it was burned with fire, it was offered to the Trinity as delicious bread, so through his supplications, O Christ God, save our souls.
Qandaq with the eighth tune
You have taken the faith of Christ within your heart as a shield, and you trampled on the strength of the stubborn, O mighty struggler, and you were crowned with the heavenly crown forever, since you are invincible.
