The holy Martyr Theodore was from Euchaita of Galatia and dwelt in Heraclea of Pontus. He was a renowned commander in the military, and the report came to the Emperor Licinius that he was a Christian and abominated the idols. Licinius therefore sent certain men to him from Nicomedia, to honor him and ask him to appear before him. Through them, however, Saint Theodore sent back a message that it was necessary for various reasons, that Licinius come to Heraclea. Licinius, seeing in this a hope of turning Saint Theodore away from Christ did as was asked of him.
When the
Emperor came to Heraclea, Saint Theodore met him with honor, and the Emperor in
turn gave Theodore his hand, believing that through him he would be able to
draw the Christians to the worship of his idols. Seated upon his throne in the
midst of the people, he publicly bade Theodore offer sacrifice to the gods. But
Theodore asked that the emperor entrust him with the most venerable of his
gods, those of gold and silver, that he might take them home and himself attend
upon them that evening, promising that the following day he would honor them in
public. The Emperor, filled with joy at these tidings, gave command that
Theodore's request be fulfilled.
When the Saint
had taken the idols home, he broke them in pieces and distributed the gold and
silver to the poor by night. The next day a centurion named Maxentius told
Licinius that he had seen a pauper pass by carrying the head of Artemis. Saint
Theodore, far from repenting of this, confessed Christ boldly. Licinius, in an
uncontainable fury, had the Saint put to many torments, then crucified. While
upon the cross, the holy Martyr was further tormented -- his privy parts were
cut off, he was shot with arrows, his eyes were put out, and he was left on the
cross to die. The next day Licinius sent men to take his corpse and cast it
into the sea; but they found the Saint alive and perfectly whole. Through this,
many believed in Christ. Seeing his own men turning to Christ, and the city in
an uproar, Licinius had Theodore beheaded, about the year 320. The Saint's holy
relics were returned to his ancestral home on June 8.
The Great
Martyr Theodore is also commemorated on February 8.
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