June 8/21: The feast of the translation of the relics of St Theodore the General.
The Great Martyr Theodore Stratelates (the General) came from the city of Euchaita in Asia Minor. He was endowed with many talents, and was handsome in appearance. For his charity God enlightened him with the knowledge of Christian truth. The bravery of the saintly soldier was revealed after he, with the help of God, killed a giant serpent living on a precipice in the outskirts of Euchaita. The serpent had devoured many people and animals, terrorizing the countryside. St Theodore armed himself with a sword and vanquished it, glorifying the name of Christ among the people.
For his bravery St Theodore was appointed military commander [stratelatos] in the city of Heraclea, where he combined his military service with preaching the Gospel among the pagans subject to him. His gift of persuasion, reinforced by his personal example of Christian life, turned many from their false gods. Soon, nearly all of Heraclea had accepted Christianity.
During this time the emperor Licinius (311-324) began a fierce persecution against Christians. In an effort to stamp out the new faith, he persecuted the enlightened adherents of Christianity, who were perceived as a threat to paganism. Among these was St Theodore. Licinius tried to force St Theodore to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods. The saint invited Licinius to come to him with his idols so both of them could offer sacrifice before the people.
Blinded by his hatred for Christianity, Licinius trusted the words of the saint, but he was disappointed. St Theodore smashed the gold and silver statues into pieces, which he then distributed to the poor. Thus he demonstrated the vain faith in soulless idols, and also displayed Christian charity.
St Theodore was arrested and subjected to fierce and refined torture. He was dragged on the ground, beaten with iron rods, had his body pierced with sharp spikes, was burned with fire, and his eyes were plucked out. Finally, he was crucified. Varus, the servant of St Theodore, barely had the strength to write down the incredible torments of his master.
God, however, in His great mercy, willed that the death of St Theodore should be as fruitful for those near him as his life was. An angel healed the saint’s wounded body and took him down from the cross. In the morning, the imperial soldiers found him alive and unharmed. Seeing with their own eyes the infinite might of the Christian God, they were baptized not far from the place of the unsuccessful execution.
Thus St Theodore became “like a day of splendor” for those pagans dwelling in the darkness of idolatary, and he enlightened their souls “with the bright rays of his suffering.” Unwilling to escape martyrdom for Christ, St Theodore voluntarily surrendered himself to Licinius, and discouraged the Christians from rising up against the torturer, saying, “Beloved, halt! My Lord Jesus Christ, hanging upon the Cross, restrained the angels and did not permit them to take revenge on the race of man.”
Going to execution, the holy martyr opened up the prison doors with just a word and freed the prisoners from their bonds. People who touched his robe were healed instantly from sicknesses, and freed from demonic possession. By order of the emperor, St Theodore was beheaded by the sword. Before his death he told Varus, “ Do not fail to record the day of my death, and bury my body in Euchaita.” He also asked to be remembered each year on this date. Then he bent his neck beneath the sword, and received the crown of martyrdom which he had sought. This occurred on February 8, 319, on a Saturday, at the third hour of the day.
St Theodore is regarded as the patron saint of soldiers.
OCA.org 2/21/2014
The canon of the Great-Martyr, the acrostic whereof is: “With divine praises I hymn thee who art the namesake of divine gifts,” the composition of Theophanes, in Tone IV
Ode I, Irmos: Having traversed the depths of the Red Sea with dryshod feet, Israel of old vanquished the might of Amalek in the wilderness by Moses’ arms stretched out in the form of the Cross.
Holy Great-Martyr, Theodore Stratelates, pray to God for us.
A martyr manifestly adorned with splendors, thou dost stand before Christ the Benefactor, arrayed by Him, for thou art the namesake of divine gifts, O martyr Theodore.
Holy Great-Martyr, Theodore Stratelates, pray to God for us.
Armed with the divine weaponry of faith, thou didst steadfastly cut down the soul-destroying legions of the enemy, O Theodore; and as victor thou hast been crowned with the martyrs.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Showing forth the splendid courage of thy soul before the ungodly emperor, O divinely wise one, thou didst put him to shame by the wisdom of thy words and the grace of thy deeds, O Theodore.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
By the will of the Father and through the divine Spirit thou didst conceive the Son of God without seed, and didst give birth in the flesh unto Him Who was begotten of the Father without mother, and Who for our sake was born of thee without father.
Ode III, Irmos: Thy Church rejoiceth in Thee, O Christ, crying aloud: Thou art my strength, O Lord, my refuge and my consolation!
Holy Great-Martyr, Theodore Stratelates, pray to God for us.
Like a mighty commander thou didst vanquish the legion of the ungodly, and didst trample down all the wiles of the pernicious serpent.
Holy Great-Martyr, Theodore Stratelates, pray to God for us.
In that thou wast earnest of soul, O glorious one, with pious intent thou didst destroy the adulterous temples of the ungodly.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
With force of mind didst thou endure the assaults of the cruel foe, emulating the life-creating death of the Judge of the contest.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O Mother of God, in manner transcending nature thou alone hast become the mediatress of blessings for those on earth. Wherefore, we cry to thee: Rejoice!
Sessional hymn, Tone VIII, Spec. Mel. “Of the Wisdom…”: Having put on the armor of God and destroyed the falsehood of idolatry, thou didst move the angels to praise thy struggles; for, having set thy mind afire with divine love, thou didst manfully endure a fiery death. Wherefore, true to thy name, thou bestowest divine gifts upon those who ask, O passion-bearer Theodore; for which cause we cry out to thee: Entreat Christ God, that He grant remission of sins to those who lovingly honor thy memory.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: Having fallen into the subtle temptations of enemies, visible and invisible, beset by the tempest of my countless offenses, I flee to the haven of thy goodness, O pure one, as to my fervent assistance and protection. Wherefore, O all-pure one, earnestly entreat Him Who was incarnate of thee without seed in behalf of all thy servants who unceasingly pray to thee, O all-pure Theotokos, ever beseeching Him to grant remission of our offenses unto us who hymn thy glory as is meet.
Stavrotheotokion (replaces the Theotokion on Wednesdays and Fridays): The Virgin and Mother of Jesus, beholding the Creator upon the Tree, groaned, weeping, and was smitten with grief, her soul and body rent asunder, smiting herself, crying out to Him bitterly, and lifting up her voice: “Woe is me, O my Son! How can I endure Thy passion, the nails and the spear, I who without pain gave Thee birth? But haste Thou to arise, that I may see Thee, my Son and God, that my lamentation and pain may cease, and that they who hymn Thy sufferings may receive remission of their offenses.”
Ode IV, Irmos: Beholding Thee lifted up upon the Cross, O Sun of righteousness, the Church stood rooted in place, crying out as is meet: Glory to Thy power, O Lord!
Holy Great-Martyr, Theodore Stratelates, pray to God for us.
Thou didst wound the serpent who wished to wound thee, and by thy steadfast opposition thou didst show thyself to be a martyr, earnestly chanting unto Him Who gave thee strength: Glory to Thy power, O Lord!
Holy Great-Martyr, Theodore Stratelates, pray to God for us.
Having laid waste to thy flesh with many wounds, thou didst set thy mind immovable, O thrice-blessed one, chanting earnestly unto Him Who gave thee strength: Glory to Thy power, O Lord!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Thou didst adorn thyself, joining thine honored sufferings to the sufferings of the Master, O all-wise one, and thou wast vouchsafed His radiance and longed-for beauty.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Without tasting of wedlock thou gavest birth, O Virgin, and after thy birthgiving thou wast shown to be a virgin still. Wherefore, unceasingly and with steadfast faith we cry out to thee, O Mistress: Rejoice!
Ode V, Irmos: Thou hast come, O my Lord, as a light into the world: a holy light turning from the darkness of ignorance those who hymn Thee with faith.
Holy Great-Martyr, Theodore Stratelates, pray to God for us.
With the shedding of the blood of thy flesh thou didst put an end to the blood offered to the demons unto destruction, O invincible Theodore.
Holy Great-Martyr, Theodore Stratelates, pray to God for us.
O, the pious demeanor! O, the noble mind! O, the most fervent faith of the honored athlete, whereby he acquired God!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Possessed of a mind illumined by the light of God, thou didst cast into darkness the serpent, the champion of evil, O God-bearing Theodore.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Thee do we wield as an invincible weapon against the enemy; thee have we acquired as the confirmation and hope of our salvation, O Bride of God.
Ode VI, Irmos: I will sacrifice to Thee with a voice of praise, O Lord, the Church crieth unto Thee, cleansed of the blood of demons by the blood which, for mercy’s sake, flowed from Thy side.
Holy Great-Martyr, Theodore Stratelates, pray to God for us.
Stretched out upon a cross and transfixed with nails, presenting an image of the saving Passion of the Creator, O blessed one, thou didst with bold ardor vanquish those who are cast down.
Holy Great-Martyr, Theodore Stratelates, pray to God for us.
When thou wast imprisoned in the dungeon, lawfully contesting, Christ appeared unto thee, raising thee up to feats of battle against the enemy, in that He is the Judge of the contest, O all-glorious one.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
To Him Who willingly offered Himself as a sacrifice for thy sake didst thou bring thyself as a sacrifice pure, holy and unblemished, O passion-bearer Theodore.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O wonder greatest of all wonders! As Virgin thou didst without knowing man conceive in thy womb Him Who sustaineth all things, yet didst not confine Him therein.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Kontakion, Tone II, Spec. Mel. “Seeking the highest…”: Arrayed in faith with manliness of soul, and taking in hand the word of God as a spear, thou didst vanquish the enemy, O Theodore, great among the martyrs. With them cease thou never to entreat Christ God in behalf of us all.
Ikos: Come, all ye faithful, and with wreaths of hymnody let us crown Theodore, the most radiant adornment of athletes; for in the splendor of his miracles he is shown to be God’s great gift to the world. Having vanquished Belial the enemy by his honored sufferings, he sendeth down as dew streams of healings with the drops of his blood. In all these things doth Christ rejoice, and He granteth everlasting peace. Wherefore, we cry out to the martyr: Pray thou unceasingly for us all!
Ode VII, Irmos: The children of Abraham in the Persian furnace, afire with love of piety more than with the flame, cried out: Blessed art Thou in the temple of Thy glory, O Lord!
Holy Great-Martyr, Theodore Stratelates, pray to God for us.
In the furnace of thy struggles didst thou utterly consume the fuel of impiety, O glorious martyr, and thou wast a beacon of piety, chanting: Blessed art Thou in the temple of Thy glory, O Lord!
Holy Great-Martyr, Theodore Stratelates, pray to God for us.
As a commander wise and sober in deed, thou didst prevail over the senseless and ungodly emperor; and, strengthened by the power of the Spirit, thou didst show him to be powerless.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
By the praises of thy greatness is the law overcome; for with the most radiant effulgence of torment didst thou shine forth, O Theodore, crying out to thy Master: Blessed is the might of Thy dominion!
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Rejoice, O divine and sanctified habitation of the Most High, for through thee, O Theotokos, hath joy been imparted to those who cry: Blessed art thou among women, O all-immaculate Mistress!
Ode VIII, Irmos: Stretching forth his hands, Daniel shut the lions’ mouths in the pit; and the young lovers of piety, girded about with virtue, quenched the power of the fire, crying out: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!
Holy Great-Martyr, Theodore Stratelates, pray to God for us.
“Trusting in Thee, Who for my sake didst endure the Cross and death, I have been lifted up upon a cross, O Master, and am pierced by arrows and am touched by grievous wounds, O Lord,” thou didst cry out amid thy suffering, O noble-minded martyr Theodore.
Holy Great-Martyr, Theodore Stratelates, pray to God for us.
Rejoicing, thou didst offer thyself as a pure sacrifice to thy Creator, O Theodore, and translated to the kingdom of heaven, O glorious one, with the martyrs thou dost ever cry out in sacred manner: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Like a lily, like a noetic rose, dost thou perfume us with the sweet savor of thy sufferings, ever dispelling the stench of our passions with grace, and constraining us to sing with fragrant souls: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Thou alone among all generations wast shown to be the Mother of God, O most pure Virgin. Thou was not consumed by the fire of the unapproachable Light. Wherefore, we all bless thee, O Mary, thou Bride of God.
Ode IX, Irmos: Christ, the Chief Cornerstone uncut by human hands, Who united the two disparate natures, was cut from thee, the unquarried mountain, O Virgin. Wherefore, in gladness we magnify thee, O Theotokos.
Holy Great Martyr, Theodore Stratelates, pray to God for us.
Adorned by thy sufferings, abiding and rejoicing with the assemblies of the blessed and the choirs of martyrs, thou now standest, crowned, before Him Whom thou didst desire, O Theodore.
Holy Great Martyr, Theodore Stratelates, pray to God for us.
Caught up to the heights of heaven, having spurned earthly things, thou wast accounted worthy of the end for which thou didst long, receiving the very perfection of desires, rejoicing, O Theodore.
Holy Great Martyr, Theodore Stratelates, pray to God for us.
Having boldness before God, as a noble and wise athlete ask thou remission of offenses for us who praise thee with love, delivering us all from sufferings and sorrows.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
The divinely wise martyr, desiring Thee alone, the immortal Word, Who suffered and died in the flesh, having received Thine immortality, hath made his abode in the heavens, in the presence of Thee, the almighty Creator of all.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Come ye all, and with faith and love let us unceasingly praise the blessed Mary, the Virgin Mother of God, having on her account received joy everlasting.
Troparion, in Tone IV: Through true recruitment didst thou become a most comely general of the heavenly King, O passion-bearer Theodore; for with the weaponry of faith thou didst wisely array thyself, didst vanquish legions of demons and didst show thyself forth as a victorious athlete. Wherefore, we ever bless thee with faith.