Life of Saint Theodore Stratilates
In ancient Russian manuscripts there are several versions of the life of St. Theodore: short, complete and Slavic versions. Saint Dmitry of Rostov combined and translated all versions, describing in detail the suffering of Christ's saint.
Origin
The life and death of Theodore Stratelates occurred at the end of the 3rd, beginning of the 4th century. The birthplace of the great martyr is considered to be the city of Euchaites (the territory of present-day Turkey), located west of Amasia. Theodore served in the Roman army from a young age and was considered one of the most courageous warriors.
Serving God
The inhabitants of Euchait learned about the warrior Theodore after he destroyed the serpent, which had been tyrannizing the entire area for a long time.
All that the brave warrior had with him was a spear and a cross on his chest. While waiting for the serpent, the warrior took the advice of the pious Christian Eusevia, who kept the relics of Theodore Tyrone.
Emperor Licinius became aware of Theodore's feat. By his decree, the brave warrior was transferred to Heraclea, appointing a stratilate (military leader).
Most of the inhabitants of Heraclea were pagans. But Theodore did not hide his faith in Christ. On the contrary, he began to preach the gospel, converting the city residents to the Christian faith. Stratilates supported his sermons with the example of his own virtuous life. Thanks to the saint, almost all the inhabitants of the city rejected the pagan gods and adopted Christianity.
Emperor Licinius heard about this and called on the holy great martyr to come to him with an answer. But Stratilates invited the emperor to visit Heraclea himself, taking his idols with him. The delighted Licinius, deciding that the military leader wanted to bow to the pagan gods in front of everyone, agreed to his proposal.
Arriving in Heraclea, Licinius was surprised by the order that reigned in the city. Having called Theodore to himself, the emperor demanded that he make sacrifices to gold and silver idols. The saint asked to postpone the ceremony until the morning, moving the pagan statues to his home.
At night, Stratelates crushed the silver and gold idols into small pieces and distributed them to the poor. The next day, one of the emperor’s close associates reported to him that he had seen the golden head of a statue of Apollo in the possession of some poor man. The angry emperor called the holy great martyr to account. But he calmly explained to Licinius that by his action he had proven the falsity of the pagan gods. If the gods of Licinius were true, they would have struck Stratelates for blasphemy.
Theodore said that he worships the one and only, living, eternal Lord and glorifies only Him.
Martyrdom
After the saint’s fiery speeches, the emperor ordered Stratelates to be seized and tortured until he retracted his words.
The most sophisticated tortures were applied to the great martyr:
- they tore flesh with iron hooks;
- burned with red-hot fire;
- flogged with ox sinews.
- They were kept in prison for five days without food or drink.
After this, the great martyr was taken out of the city and crucified on the cross. But the Lord sent an angel to the saint, who removed the tortured Theodore from the cross and healed him. In the morning, the townspeople who came to the place of execution were amazed to see Stratilates alive and unharmed.
Having believed in Christ, the townspeople wanted to rebel against the emperor. But the martyr of Christ, not wanting the death of innocent people, kept them from taking revenge. The Great Martyr was ready to accept martyrdom for Christ, so he voluntarily surrendered to his tormentors. On the way to the place of execution, the martyr opened the doors of prisons and healed the sick.
On February 8, 319, Saint Theodore was executed by cutting off his head.
The position of Christians in the Roman Empire at the end of the 3rd century. n. e.
According to the tradition of the Orthodox Church, Theodore Stratelates was born in Asia Minor in the city of Euchait. He was a brave, handsome young man who professed Christianity. At a fairly young age, he enlisted in the Roman army. During the reign of Emperor Licinius, severe persecution of Christians began. However, the Romans saw that those who believed in the Savior joyfully accepted martyrdom for their faith. Then the pagans began to persecute Christians who held government positions and were respected by the people. For this purpose, the Forty Martyrs of Sebastia and several other important dignitaries from Licinius’ entourage were killed.
Iconography
An icon depicting the Great Martyr Stratilates can be seen in almost every church. The oldest icon is considered to be one painted back in the 19th century.
You can recognize the Great Martyr Theodore by the characteristic features inherent in the saint:
- military attire;
- plate armor;
- a spear, which Theodore holds with his right hand;
- oval shield.
There are images in which the saint’s left hand holds a cross instead of a shield. Some icon painters depicted the great martyr sitting on a snow-white horse. There are also icons in which Theodore Stratelates is depicted next to Theodore Tyrone.
Veneration of Saint Feodor in Orthodoxy
The incorrupt relics of Saint Theodore were kept for a long time in the main Euchaitic church. In the 11th century, the relics of the great martyr were transferred to the Mother of God Church of Blachernae, a suburb of Constantinople. In 1204, Constantinople was captured by the crusaders, and the integrity of the holy remains was violated.
Currently, separate parts of the relics are kept in different temples:
- head - Athos Monastery Pantokrator;
- left hand - the Mega Spileon monastery of the Greek Peloponnese peninsula;
- parts of the relics are the Moscow Annunciation Cathedral and the Novgorod Church of St. Sophia.
The Orthodox Church canonized Theodore Stratelates among the great martyrs, setting the date of celebration on February 21.
Many churches and monasteries were built in honor of St. Theodore. One of the most famous monasteries, built in the 18th-19th centuries, is located in Crimea. The doors of the temple are open to anyone who wants to venerate Saint Theodore.
Temple of Theodore Stratilates on the Stream
In honor of this saint, churches were consecrated in different parts of the world. Among them, a special place is occupied by the Church on the Stream, which is located in Veliky Novgorod. It was founded in 1360 with a donation from the Novgorod mayor Semyon Andreevich and his mother Natalya.
The Church of St. Theodore Stratilates is a classic monument of medieval Novgorod architecture. Its building is a four-pillar, single-domed structure in the form of a cube, the façade, especially the apses and drums, are decorated with various decorative elements. On the western side of the temple there is a bell tower and an extension built in the 17th century. Building address: st. Fedorovsky Stream, 19-a.
The temple is also interesting because on its walls you can read medieval “graffiti,” including humorous ones, left by the Novgorodians about 700 years ago. Today the church functions as a museum and its visit is included in many excursion programs.
The Church of Theodore Stratilates is also in the capital. The temple dedicated to this saint is located near Chistye Prudy, on Arkhangelsky Lane and was built in 1806.
What do they ask the saint for?
Saint Theodore was a warrior. Therefore, all military personnel fall under his special protection.
Before going to the service, the clergy recommend purchasing a small icon with the face of Stratelates, which will protect against dangers.
Prayers addressed to the great martyr have great power and help:
- to be healed from illnesses;
- find a way out of a difficult situation;
- strengthen faith;
- drive out evil spirits.
Theodore Stratelates also helps repentant prisoners, facilitating their early release. Sincere prayers never go unnoticed by the saint.
Miracles
After his death and burial, the saint began to help Christians and punish their enemies in different parts of the world.
Thus, according to the Patriarch of Antioch and John of Damascus, who lived in the 7th and 8th centuries, during the capture of Syria by the Saracens, the temple of Theodore, located near Damascus, was desecrated. It was destroyed and began to be used as a home. One day one of the Saracens shot an arrow at the image of Stratelates. The arrow he shot hit the saint in the shoulder and blood flowed down the wall. The Saracens and their families who lived in the building still did not leave the temple. However, after some time they all died. The causes of the disease that struck the infidels remained unclear, but everyone who lived in the neighborhood was spared the disease.
Another miracle occurred during the last battle of the war of 970-971 between the Russians and the Byzantines. According to the Tale of Bygone Years, Saint Theodore Stratelates helped the Greeks contain the army of Svyatoslav Igorevich with a significant numerical superiority of the Russians.
Prayers
A special prayer is dedicated to the Great Martyr Theodore, which is read in church or at home in front of the holy image.
On the days of veneration of Saint Stratelates, an akathist is performed at the service. If desired, it is read at home in front of the icon of the great martyr.
Prayer
Oh, holy, glorious and all-praised Great Martyr Theodore Stratelates! We pray to you before your holy icon: pray with us and for us, servant of God (names), beseeching God from His mercy, may He mercifully hear us asking for blessings from Him, and all ours to salvation and life May your dear one fulfill your requests. We also pray to you, holy victorious Theodore Stratelates, destroy the forces of the enemies, visible and invisible, who rise against us. Pray to the Lord God, Creator of all creatures, to deliver us from eternal torment, so that we may always glorify the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit and confess your intercession, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Akathist
Kontakion 1
To the chosen commander and glorious warrior among the sufferers, the holy great martyr Theodore, come and sing a song of praise together. But you, great martyr, because you have boldness in the Lord, free us from all troubles, let us call to you:
Rejoice, Holy Great Martyr Theodore, Great Stratilates.
Ikos 1
The Creator of angels and all creatures, the Creator, has revealed you to His Church as a valiant sufferer and an invincible warrior, so that all will praise your suffering, O passion-bearer Theodora. For this reason, we, like the martyr today more reverently, praise you, crying out:
Rejoice, you who expose the charm of idolatry.
Rejoice, you who despise the rage of the mad pagan king.
Rejoice, for the sake of great torment and mortal wounds you endured.
Rejoice, for Christ from Pilate, from Licinius the king was nailed to the flesh on the cross.
Rejoice, having received wonderful life and strength from the Angel of the Lord.
Rejoice, with joy in the Lord, bowing your honorable head to the sword.
Rejoice, Holy Great Martyr Theodore, Great Stratilates.
Kontakion 2
Seeing the valiant sufferer and the invincible warrior of the holy great martyr Theodore, who through his suffering received crowns of victory and was united with angels and gave miracles to the world, the treasure of the only wise Let us honor and sing praises to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
The divine mind acquired, the great and terrible serpent, nesting near the Evchaitsk city, you struck with the cross and sword, the warrior of Christ, and also the stratilates, you were the governor, the rise taken to earth. We, like the heavenly commander, cry out to you:
Rejoice, by the power of Christ you have freed your fatherland from that cruel serpent.
Rejoice, you have converted many people to Christ.
Rejoice, thou who conquered the armies of demons with the weapon of faith.
Rejoice, for you have appeared victoriously and as a sufferer on earth.
Rejoice, you grant many miracles to those who come running to you with faith.
Rejoice, Christ God prays for us without mercy and without mercy.
Rejoice, Holy Great Martyr Theodore, Great Stratilates.
Kontakion 3
By the power of God, the serpent was killed by Theodore Stratelates, who saw the Euchaitic city and all the surrounding people wonder and cry out loudly: “Great is the God of Theodore, behold.” “He is the true God,” to Him we cry: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
Having the good custom of praying unceasingly at night, Saint Theodore, you have been vouchsafed visions of the divine: the cover of the temple, as I have appeared as an opening, and the heavenly light as fire I will shine with greatness upon you; You also heard a voice from above saying: “Be of good cheer, Theodore is with you.” By this you knew that the time of your suffering for Christ had come, and you rejoiced in spirit. Moreover, we cry out to you:
Rejoice, for you have seen the unspeakable glory of Christ God.
Rejoice, for you were also a spectator of worldly visions.
Rejoice, for you also had heavenly interlocutors on earth.
Rejoice, you have been granted the great Mysteries of revelation in your earthly life.
Rejoice, prophetic enlightenment.
Rejoice, mental lamp, illuminated by the light of Christ.
Rejoice, Holy Great Martyr Theodore, Great Stratilates.
Kontakion 4
Realizing the storm of torment was approaching, you prayed with tears, to blessed Theodora, to Christ God: “Lord, God, all-powerful, be merciful to me and keep me from the deceit of lies. Living things, let my enemies not rejoice.” Likewise, you and I cry out to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
Having heard the wicked king’s seductive words, that he brought sacrifices and incense and aromas to the vile gods, Theodora the blessed one, you crushed him in one night and, shattering everything The idols of gold and silver are in part small, I divided them among the orphans and the needy. Therefore, for the sake of your undaunted feat, we greatly marvel and cry out:
Rejoice, having put to shame the most shameless king by the wisdom of your words.
Rejoice, you preached the glory of God alive and true before the tongues.
Rejoice, for truly Theodore, even as the gift of God manifests itself, has appeared.
Rejoice, for today the angels and the faces of the martyrs rejoice blessedly.
Rejoice, for you have boldness towards God and deliver us all from sorrows and passions.
Rejoice, Holy Great Martyr Theodore, Great Stratilates.
Kontakion 5
God-hating idols, like gold and silver, were usually cut by a human hand, you scolded the mad wicked king, great martyr, saying to him: “You worship God I am dead, but I worship the Living God.” We also worship Him with you, crying out: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
Having seen the wicked tormentor, your honest body is given over to torment, cursing at you, passion-bearer. But you, holy one, bravely enduring all this, said nothing else: “Glory to Thee, my God!” Marveling at your patience, we cry out to you:
Rejoice, thou mercilessly beaten with sinews of oxen and rods of tin.
Rejoice, thou who suffered many wounds upon wounds, without number, from the tormentor.
Rejoice, for you have received crowns of victory from Christ.
Rejoice, through your petitions to Christ you save the faithful.
Rejoice, Holy Great Martyr Theodore, Great Stratilates.
Kontakion 6
The preacher of the glory of Christ appeared, you, the passion-bearer Theodora, were thrown into prison, a frantic tormentor with your hands and noses bound and poisoned for nothing even until five days. The holy angel has come to resolve you are bound, and cry out to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
Your honor shines forth to Theodora. Just as sometimes Christ our Lord from Pilate, so you, blessed one, from King Licinius were imprisoned on the cross, having your hand and nose nailed. For this reason, let us all come and return with song the crowns of Theodore the Most Glorious Martyr, saying:
Rejoice, thou nailed to the cross.
Rejoice, thou pierced with sharp arrows and nails.
Rejoice, truncated by the sword. Rejoice, you who were warned against all sorts of tricks and illnesses.
Rejoice, for in torment you appeared unyielding and invincible.
Rejoice, Holy Great Martyr Theodore, Great Stratilates.
Kontakion 7
Although I was released from the earthly and entered the tree with wounded flesh, the Great Martyr Theodore, you prayed to the Lord: “Remember me, Lord, who endured the cross for Your sake.” To him you and I cry: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
Now, after suffering, the Angel of the Lord, Theodore the martyr, appeared, in the first watch of the night hanging on the cross, he came down from heaven and was taken down from the cross and made him whole and healthy, just like before waiting and kissing him saying: “Rejoice and be strong, Theodore, sit for the Lord is with you." For this reason, we and the disembodied together will cry out to him in the following words:
Rejoice, received angelic kiss.
Rejoice, thou who depicted the saving passion of the Creator.
Rejoice, you save in every need through your intercession.
Rejoice, drive away all soul-destroying sadness and circumstances.
Rejoice, give many miracles to those in the world.
Rejoice, invisibly giving hearts to the faithful.
Rejoice, Holy Great Martyr Theodore, Great Stratilates.
Kontakion 8
A strange thing is happening to you, blessed Theodora, for the wicked tormentor of me was crucified, a dead being, leave your body hanging on the cross, but you were whole and healthy from the Angel, you began Thou shalt sing a song of praise to the Lord: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
The tormentor wanted to destroy you, for this reason the centurion commanded to take your body from the cross and put it in an ark of tin and throw it into the depths of the sea, so that Christians will not take it away and They will bury you honestly. The centurion saw many and great signs from the saint who turned to Christ; For this reason, we also cry out to the memory of the honorable martyr:
Rejoice, good commander of the Heavenly King.
Rejoice, great rhetorician, wiser than the sages of the world.
Rejoice, you who count for nothing in this red world.
Rejoice, you who show the most perfect image of patience to everyone.
Rejoice, you who dwell together in Zion on high with the angels and saints.
Rejoice, you who have appeared as a warm intercessor for us before God.
Rejoice, Holy Great Martyr Theodore, Great Stratilates.
Kontakion 9
All praise is due to you, great martyr Theodora, having endured the cross and after suffering came down from the cross whole and healthy, by an angel with a miraculous action, the king’s unfaithful centurions and soldiers You enlightened the formerly wicked and taught you to believe in Christ God and sing Him together with you: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
Vetia, telling the glory of God with your innumerable signs, you appeared to the world, the glory of the martyrs Theodore, from you we will endlessly draw healing, all who come running to you with faith and fear Your songs sing praises:
Rejoice, you who have released many prisoners from their bonds.
Rejoice, you who open the doors of prison with one word.
Rejoice, grant healing to the sick.
Rejoice, freer of those possessed by the evil demon.
Rejoice, you heal those who touch your clothes.
Rejoice, instead of blood drops of healing, rain currents.
Rejoice, Holy Great Martyr Theodore, Great Stratilates.
Kontakion 10
Having received the saving faith of all people, the great sign of thy beholders, blessed Theodora, also rejected the abominable idols, clinging to Christ, saying: “Great is He.” God of Theodore, this is the true God,” to Him we cry evermore: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
The insurmountable wall of your courage as a warrior of Christ, not having overcome the fierce tormentor, killed you on your breathing and blood like a greedy dog thirsted, sent you with a sword to kill you, you pray Having made the sign of the cross, you willingly bowed your head under the sword. Your beheading is more honorable than the tit’s cry:
Rejoice, thou who have received the sword of martyrdom.
Rejoice, having created many signs in your success.
Rejoice, thou who preserved the faith and love of Christ even unto death.
Rejoice, for you have dwelt in the highest heavens with the angels and saints.
Rejoice, for you have appeared as a warm representative to Christ for sinners.
Rejoice, constant prayer for our souls.
Rejoice, Holy Great Martyr Theodore, Great Stratilates.
Kontakion 11
The funeral chanting with lights and censers chanted all the people, giving honor to you, Theodora, when your honorable head was cut off with a sword, and they took your holy body and in place The one who laid it down, then brought it to the Euchaitic city, glorifying Christ God and singing to Him song: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
With the light of a sign you struck the wicked Saracens against your honorable temple, even in Karsat, who found, when you shot your image with an arrow, and bled to death in the guise the knowledge of those darkened by madness. Moreover, marveling at this sign, we truly cry out to you, miracle worker Theodora:
Rejoice, for you have put to shame the madness of the Saracens.
Rejoice, for you have protected the Church of God from desecration.
Rejoice, for your bright, miraculous image has appeared.
Rejoice, for you have glorified your name among the unbelievers.
Rejoice, for you taught the faithful to come to you in prayer.
Rejoice, Holy Great Martyr Theodore, Great Stratilates.
Kontakion 12
With a gracious sign, the unfaithful Saracens, who have not understood the infidelity, have desecrated your holy temple and desecrated your honest image, otherwise death will be cruel in a few days, return everything Your holy icon, like a miraculous great one, they cry out to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
Your wondrous deeds and miracles are sung throughout the whole earth of Christians all the days in countless churches and abodes created in your name, gathered together and crowns of song magnify you. Already, Great Martyr Theodore Stratilates, and also us, who brightly celebrate your memory today, remember and protect, Let us cry out to you for love:
Rejoice, for you accept the prayers of sinners.
Rejoice, for you have quenched the sorrows of your soul.
Rejoice, for you have tamed the fire of passions.
Rejoice, for you have kept the flesh and spirit from all filthiness.
Rejoice, for you deliver us from the temptations of the evil one.
Rejoice, for you remember those who pray at the throne of the Almighty.
Rejoice, Holy Great Martyr Theodore, Great Stratilates.
Kontakion 13
Oh, all-validated and all-blessed Stratilates, Great Martyr Saint Theodore! Accept this tender prayer of ours, and soon ascend to the Throne of the Heavenly King Christ, so that through your intercession we will be freed from all evils and misfortunes, crying out to God: Alleluia.
This kontakion is read three times, then the 1st ikos and the 1st kontakion.
Ikos 1
The Creator of angels and all creatures, the Creator, has revealed you to His Church as a valiant sufferer and an invincible warrior, so that all will praise your suffering, O passion-bearer Theodora. For this reason, we, like the martyr today more reverently, praise you, crying out:
Rejoice, you who expose the charm of idolatry.
Rejoice, you who despise the rage of the mad pagan king.
Rejoice, for the sake of great torment and mortal wounds you endured.
Rejoice, for Christ from Pilate, from Licinius the king was nailed to the flesh on the cross.
Rejoice, having received wonderful life and strength from the Angel of the Lord.
Rejoice, with joy in the Lord, bowing your honorable head to the sword.
Rejoice, Holy Great Martyr Theodore, Great Stratilates.
Chelter-Koba
The monastery of Theodore Stratelates, which is considered one of the oldest on the peninsula, still operates in Crimea to this day. It was founded by icon worshipers in the 8th-9th century, and existed until 1475, when the Principality of Theodoro was captured by the Ottoman Empire. 15-20 people lived in the monastery. In total, 22 caves for various purposes have been preserved, including those used as cells. There is also a large refectory hall.
The revival of the monastery, which belongs to the Russian Orthodox Church, began in 2000.
Now you know the details of the life of one of the most famous great martyrs, revered by the Orthodox and Catholic churches. You also know where the famous Temple of Theodore Stratelates is located in Veliky Novgorod, so when you are in this city, you will be able to admire this magnificent work of medieval Russian architecture.
