Theodore Tyrone. Life and Akathist – Orthodox magazine “Thomas”

Great Martyr Theodore Tiron. Fresco in the Assumption Cathedral of Protata, Kareya, Athos (XIV century, icon painter Manuel Panselin)

Theodore Tiron
[1] (+ c. 306), warrior, great martyr Commemorated on February 17 and on Saturday of the first week of Great Lent

He was born in Euchaites (now the village of Beyuzu, Turkey) and was a warrior in the city of Amasia in the Pontic region in Asia Minor, under the command of a preposite named Vrinka.

When he, along with other Christians, began to be forced to sacrifice to idols, Theodore firmly publicly confessed his faith in Christ the Savior. The boss gave him several days to think, during which Theodore prayed intensely and praised the Lord, and also strengthened other persecuted Christians in the faith. At night, Theodore set fire to the temple of the mother of the gods, Cybele. Those who saw this reported him to the authorities, and Saint Theodore was thrown into prison to starve to death. There the Lord appeared to him, comforted and strengthened him.

The Torment of St. Vmch. Theodore Tyrone. Painting. Greece. Meteora

Brought to the ruler, the saint again boldly and fearlessly confessed his faith, for which he was subjected to new tortures and condemned to burning.
The martyr Theodore, without trembling, ascended the fire and, with prayer and praise, gave up his holy soul to God. This happened on February 17 around 306, under the Roman Emperor Galerius [2]. Biography of St. Great Martyr Theodore Tiron compiled by St. Filofey Kokkin [3].

Great Martyr Theodore Tiron

Theodore Tiron (Tiron - i.e. warrior-recruit) is a Christian saint, great martyr, whose memory the Church remembers on Saturday in the first week of Lent (in 2022 - March 20).

He lived during the time of Emperor Maximilian, who was distinguished by his unbridled temper. At that time, soldiers were obliged to make sacrifices to Roman deities. The emperor wanted his people to honor him as a god. This concerned warriors primarily. When Theodore was forced to sacrifice to idols, he resolutely refused. For confessing himself to be a Christian, Theodore was imprisoned and doomed to death by starvation. Finding Theodore alive after some time, he was again offered to make a sacrifice. After refusing, he was subjected to severe torture, but never gave up his faith.

As a result, he was sentenced to be burned at the stake. His remains, according to legend not damaged by fire, were asked by the Christian Eusevia and buried in her house in the city of Evchaitah. Later, his relics were transferred to Constantinople, and his head - first to Brindisi, and then to Gaeta.

One interesting event in church history is associated with his name.

In the 4th century, Emperor Julian the Apostate, a persecutor of Christians, was in power in Constantinople. Once, in the first week of Great Lent, he ordered that all food in the city markets be secretly sprinkled with blood sacrificed to idols. The apostles called on Christians to “abstain from sacrifices to idols and blood,” so the ruler’s act was a cruel mockery of the Christian faith.

And then the Great Martyr Theodore appeared to the local archbishop, Eudoxius, in a dream. The saint warned Eudoxius and ordered him not to buy food sacrificed to idols, but to cook kolivo from home grain supplies. Kolivo is wheat boiled with honey (by the way, the Slavic analogue of koliva is kutia, a traditional funeral dish).

Consecration of the koliva in the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God “Burning Bush”, Ulyanovsk. Photo from the temple archive

In memory of this wonderful event, in the first week of Great Lent, on Saturday evening (Friday) after the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, a canon to the Great Martyr Theodore is heard in churches. It was compiled by the Monk John of Damascus. On this day, kolivo is blessed and distributed to parishioners.

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.

Coliva recipe for the Day of Remembrance of St. Martyr Tyrone

Any proportions depending on your taste.

Cook the wheat over low heat, then place it on a towel in an even layer, cover with another, and leave to dry (lint-free towel).

We clean one pomegranate.

Grind the walnuts, the pieces should be 2-3 mm.

Pour water over the almonds, boil, let cool, remove the skin (boil just for this).

Fry sesame seeds until golden brown in a frying pan without oil.

When the wheat dries, mix everything.

Grind the sugar into dust.

Grind the dried mint into dust.

Grind the crackers (the simplest ones) into dust.

Place the mixture in a bowl, compact it, add a layer of breadcrumbs, and level using foil.

Add a layer of powdered sugar, line with foil, and garnish with pomegranate and almonds (leftovers).

And mint powder.

Prayers to Theodore Tyrone

Troparion of the Great Martyr Theodore Tiron, tone 2

With the great faith of correction,/ in a fountain of flame, like on the water of repose,/ the holy martyr Theodore rejoiced:/ for he was burnt with fire,/ like sweet bread was offered to the Trinity.// Through his prayers, O Christ God, save our souls.

Kontakion of the Great Martyr Theodore Tiron, tone 8

We will accept the Faith of Christ, like a shield, inside your heart,/ you trampled upon the opposing forces, O much-suffering one,/ and you were crowned with the heavenly crown forever, Theodora, // like you are invincible.

Epic image of a saint

For more information on this topic, see The Legend of the Exploits of Fyodor Tirinin.

“The Tale of the Exploits of Fyodor Tirinin” is an apocrypha about Fyodor Tiron, related to the theme of the main myth: the hero appears here as a snake fighter. The “Tale” is a type of “martyrdom”, and not a full-fledged biographical life: the feat of Saint Theodore is only externally connected with his Life, which begins with it. A. N. Veselovsky suggests a possible connection between the spiritual verse and the epic “Dobrynya and the Serpent”[2].

Eastern and South Slavic traditions represent Fyodor Tyrone, like Yegor the Brave, as a horseman and protector of livestock[3].

Prayer to the Holy Great Martyr Theodore Tiron

O Most Glorious, Great Martyr Theodore Tiron. Hear the prayer of us faithful, who magnify you and in our humility cry out to you with all our souls. From your youth, having shown an ardent faith in Christ the Lord and laid down your life for her sake, give us who pray to you spiritual strength to maintain the purity of the right faith all our days. Seal by martyrdom the confession of faith in the furnace of fire, be an image for us in zeal for preaching the Truth of Christ. Protecting the faithful from the sin of paganism and apostasy, keep us clean from heretical intrigues and all devilish instigations. O Most Blessed Great Martyr Theodora, by your intercession at the Throne of the Most High, beg the Lord God to give us grace-filled strength to direct the path of our lives according to the Word of God for the salvation of our souls. Because through your prayers we have received grace and mercy, let us glorify all the good Source and Gift-Giver God, the One, in the Trinity of Saints Slavimago, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

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

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.

Akathist to the Holy Great Martyr Theodore Tiron

Kontakion 1

To the chosen champion and great martyr Theodore Tyrone, confessor of the Holy Trinity, defender of the faith of Christ and the destroyer of paganism, we sing with gratitude the faithful in the joy of joy, calling to him with all our souls: Rejoice, great martyr Theodore Tyrone.

Ikos 1

Angels from heaven, come with us to the young warrior, Theodore Tyrone, let us sing with joy, for he passionately loved Christ and confessed Him as Lord and God-man. For this reason, let us call upon him this way:

Rejoice, for by you God has been glorified, Rejoice, for by you Satan has been put to shame, Rejoice, fiery herald of the Holy Trinity, Rejoice, great champion of soulless idols, Rejoice, preacher of the two natures in Christ, Rejoice, interpreter of their non-confusion. Rejoice, who proclaims Mary the Virgin, Rejoice, who calls her the Theotokos. Rejoice, you who have drunk the cup of Christ, Rejoice, you who have corrected the right faith. Rejoice, for through you many have been converted to Christ. Rejoice, conqueror, crowned with Christ. Rejoice, Great Martyr Theodore Tirone.

Kontakion 2

Looking at the courage of your soul, the Lord shows you a God-wise sign to hasten to martyrdom: but you, having rejected all earthly things, cried out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 2

In the place where the monster was, you were born Theodora, and with your feat you defeated him; Eusebius’s wife rejoiced when she saw his death, and in her songs she cried out to you like this:

Rejoice, coming martyr of my Christ, Rejoice, glory of my homeland, Rejoice, conqueror of the destructive dragon, Rejoice, undefeated in courage, Rejoice, chosen one of Christ in the world, Rejoice, ascetic for His glory. Rejoice, confirmation of the Orthodox faith. Rejoice, instruction to the young in piety. Rejoice, great defense of faith, Rejoice, great victory over atheism, Rejoice, vessel of God's grace, Rejoice, treasury of holy virtue. Rejoice, Great Martyr Theodore Tirone.

Kontakion 3

Come Theodora, cried the hater of Christ Vrinka, and make sacrifices to the idol, just as we do; If you don’t submit, I’ll give you over to torment; But you, O most glorious one, have given praise to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 3

You, great martyr, placed the divine flame on the idol altar and you scorched the idols, miraculously moved by the flame of God’s love towards feat, therefore we appeal to you like this:

Rejoice, young warrior of the King of Kings, Rejoice, having conquered Vrinka with your word. Rejoice, you who glorified Christ by your feat, Rejoice, you who destroyed idols with fire. Rejoice, thou who conquered the power of the flame. Rejoice, beauty greater than the martyrs, Rejoice, great martyr, joy of the angels. Rejoice, sweetest defender of the church. Rejoice, vigilant leader of the Orthodox. Rejoice, Theodora, a gift sent to us from God. Rejoice, Great Martyr Theodore Tirone.

Kontakion 4

You have put to shame the diabolical community of Publius and Vrinka with your courage, great martyr, and confessing Christ as the Son of God, you have condemned paganism, crying out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 4

The angels hastened to Christ the Savior, who visited you in prison. Having filled you with heavenly joy, the Lord commanded you: Rejoice and do not fear, great martyr, for with me you will conquer and be worthy of a crown. For this reason, hear from us:

Rejoice, friend of Christ God, Rejoice, courageous confessor. Rejoice, sweet bread of Christ. Rejoice, admonition of the young, Rejoice, correction of sinners. Rejoice, for Christ visited you in the bonds of existence, Rejoice, for you saw the heavenly light in prison. Rejoice, bright manifestation of the mind. Rejoice, all-wise denunciation of madness. Rejoice, for by looking at your image we are confirmed in our faith, Rejoice, for through your intercession Orthodoxy is protected, Rejoice, Great Martyr Theodore Tirone.

Kontakion 5

Christ wanted to teach you, Theodora, the knowledge of grace, the commandment not to accept defiled food, for the grace of God will richly nourish you. You sang to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 5

Seeing you devoted to torment, Theodora Tirone, the wicked Publius was filled with rage and was surprised at your long-suffering; The children, glorifying God, cried out in joy:

Rejoice, martyr of Christ God, Rejoice, zealot of His passion, Rejoice, who accepted prison for Him, Rejoice, bound in chains for the Lord’s sake, Rejoice, for you brought sweet bread to the Trinity. Rejoice, you who courageously did not accept contaminated food. Rejoice, you who suffered the lash of the wicked Publius for God's sake. Rejoice, praise to the Orthodox. Rejoice, who supplies us with the bread of life from famine, Rejoice, who earnestly help those who call upon you. Rejoice, dawn, shining in the night of sin for those who wander, Rejoice, for by your faith the pagan gods are crushed. Rejoice, Great Martyr Theodore Tirone.

Kontakion 6

Crush with flame the mocker of idols, the tyrant cried to his soldiers, they cast you into the fiery furnace, glorious one, so that you may have a blessed death singing: Alleluia.

Ikos 6

The Holy Spirit enlighten your heart, great martyr, and give you a testimony of the feat of Kleonikos. He, strengthened in your confession, cried out:

Rejoice, extinguisher of fire, Rejoice, companion of the great martyrs, Rejoice, companion of the holy Angels. Rejoice, for Christ was glorified by your exploits. Rejoice, you who turned the power of flame into dew. Rejoice, you who rise above common death. Rejoice, heir of the Kingdom of Christ. Rejoice, you who preserved your body in virginity. Rejoice, you who have enlightened your soul through deeds. Rejoice, fiery zealot of Orthodoxy. Rejoice, protector of him from heretical intrigues. Rejoice, Great Martyr Theodore Tirone.

Kontakion 7

Thou hast accepted torment and reposed unto Christ, thou wisest of God; by your intercession and prayer at the Throne of the Most High you kindle the flame of love for God among those who believe and sing: Alleluia.

Ikos 7

Jealous of the myrrh-bearing feat, the humble Eusevia became the myrrh-bearer. Thia, who was seeking peace, bought myrrh, and she, having bought your honorable remains, passionately cried out to you:

Rejoice, martyr of truth, Rejoice, glory of the Euchaites, Rejoice, splendor of our Church. Rejoice, joy to your parents. Rejoice, thou who dwellest in the heavenly realms, Rejoice, for thou now dwellest in the heavenly kingdom. Rejoice, for I will wisely build a temple for you, Rejoice, for I will place your remains in it. Rejoice, consecration of my house, Rejoice, joy of my soul. Rejoice, star among the martyrs of Christ, Rejoice, our glorification and love. Rejoice, Great Martyr Theodore Tirone.

Kontakion 8

Jesus the Almighty, who strengthened everything, loved the beauty of your soul, and you kept it spotless. Most glorious, sanctified by the flow of your blood, crying out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 8

You offered your whole heart and mind and body to the Lord as a sacrifice. He glorified you in heaven and on earth, Theodora, giving you the power of miracles. For this reason, hear from us:

Rejoice, enriched by the pleasure of God, Rejoice, you who filled the earth with miracles, Rejoice, high perception of piety, Rejoice, the greatest protector of those who glorify you. Rejoice, thou who have passed the glorious path of life. Rejoice, conqueror of the evil one with Christ. Rejoice, thou who courageously kept the faith, Rejoice, thou unfading crown of righteousness, Rejoice, thou filled with ineffable glory. Rejoice, our vigilant representative, Rejoice, now praising God with the angels. Rejoice, interlocutor of the face of the martyrs. Rejoice, Great Martyr Theodore Tirone.

Kontakion 9

Possessed by the evil of the devil, the apostate God-fighter Julian made an unholy decision: to incite believers into sin by eating defiled food, singing the song of God: Alleluia.

Ikos 9

Having recognized the cunning of the apostate, by your intercession, Great Martyr Theodora, you delivered Christ’s children from temptation. Contemptuous temptation of the devil, hear from us:

Rejoice, deliverance of the Orthodox, Rejoice, Pillar of Christ's Church, Rejoice, conqueror of the enemies of Christ, Rejoice, accuser of the godless apostate. Rejoice, remover of sinful desires, Rejoice, shame of the wicked king. Rejoice, creator of glorious miracles, Rejoice, denouncer of the king’s wickedness. Rejoice, full of divine gifts. Rejoice, bright vessel of the Holy Spirit. Rejoice, thou who glorified Christ in the world, Rejoice, thou glorified by Him in heaven. Rejoice, Great Martyr Theodore Tirone.

Kontakion 10

Having desired, by His great mercy, to keep His children pure from defilement, the Savior, Great Martyr Theodora, sent you to the saint of the King of the City to announce His will to him, having already known, he sang with you: Alleluia.

Ikos 10

Command the faithful, O saint, not to touch the food in the marketplace, as the wicked apostate has defiled it with his command. For this reason we proclaim to you:

Rejoice, executor of the unwritten law, Rejoice, messenger of the divine will. Rejoice, fortification of the holy city, Rejoice, for you have declared the divine will to it. Rejoice, messenger of Christ God. Rejoice, for you have overcome Julian's madness. Rejoice, for you have rejected contaminated food, Rejoice, for you have observed the fast of the faithful. Rejoice, divine joy of the martyrs, Rejoice, gift given to us by God. Rejoice, servant of the Most High.

Rejoice, Great Martyr Theodore Tirone.

Kontakion 11

The saint praised the Most High, when he knew the machinations of the crafty apostate, asking you, Theodore: who are you and how will you feed the faithful and the poor, let us sing to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 11

She also answered the saint: O Shepherd, having prepared a quantity of food, give it to the faithful people as food; The name is the martyr of Christ Theodore, a helper sent to you from God. For this reason we cry out to you:

Rejoice, our great trustee, Rejoice, patron of Orthodoxy. Rejoice, destroyer of wickedness, Rejoice, support and affirmation of Christianity. Rejoice, you who have been sent to us by God as a helper, Rejoice, you who have given us instruction about undefiled food. Rejoice, having taught us to consume kolivo. Rejoice, for the appearance of your miracle is ever glorified, Rejoice, vigilant messenger of Christ, Rejoice, cohabitant of the martyrs of Christ. Rejoice, for by them Christ is glorified, Rejoice, by them the faithful are exalted. Rejoice, Great Martyr Theodore Tirone.

Kontakion 12

Having the Lord desire to show the grace that was bestowed upon you, to show you as a deliverer of captives, a healer of the weak, a savior of those floating, a teacher of sinners, an accuser of those who steal, let us sing to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 12

Singing your deeds and miracles, Great Martyr Theodore, we sing to you in humility, for the Lord, who accepted your suffering, has entered your soul, instructing us to cry out to you like this:

Rejoice, Theodora, who has preserved your soul immaculately, Rejoice, who has sanctified it with your sufferings, Rejoice, you who have been captured as a deliverer and representative. Rejoice, physician of bodily wounds and healer of the sick. Rejoice, savior in trouble on the sea of beings. Rejoice, sweet-sounding pipe. Rejoice, performer of adolescent prayers, Rejoice, faithful wealth for the poor. Rejoice, you who dwell in the heavenly abodes, Rejoice, you who strengthen the weak. Rejoice, consolation of the elders. Rejoice, you who sing the thrice-holy hymn with the angels. Rejoice, Great Martyr Theodore Tirone.

Kontakion 13

Oh, Great Martyr Theodore Tirone, God-given gift to those who praise you with love. Graciously accept this offering, deliver us from all sorrow and sorrow through your intercession and remove the future torments that cry to God for you: Alleluia.

Read this kontakion three times, then ikos 1, kontakion 1.

Prayer to the Holy Great Martyr Theodore Tiron

Literature

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Demetrius of Rostov
The Suffering of the Holy Great Martyr Theodore Tiron // Lives of the Saints - February 17.
Ivanov A. N.
“Fedor Tiron” in the epic of the Nekrasov Cossacks // Preservation and revival of folklore traditions. Collection of scientific papers. - M.: State Republican Center of Russian Folklore, 1993. - No. 4. - P. 5–28. — ISBN 5—86132—012—12.
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