Description

Feast Day/Commemorated: February 17

The Holy Great Martyr Theodore the Recruit was a soldier stationed in Amáseia, Pontus (Asia Minor), during the reign of the Emperor Galerius around 306 AD. Serving under the commander Brincus, Theodore was ordered to participate in the pagan rites, but he boldly and publicly proclaimed his faith in Christ the Savior. Given a few days to reconsider, the Saint spent the time in prayer, strengthening his resolve. His unwavering devotion was later expressed through a defiant act: he was accused of setting a pagan temple on fire and destroying the idol of the goddess Rhea, an act that led to his immediate arrest and confinement.

Imprisoned and sentenced to starve, Saint Theodore received divine comfort that sustained him through his ordeal. While in his cell, Jesus Christ Himself appeared to him, offering encouragement and strength. When he was brought before the Governor Publius, Theodore continued to confess his faith without fear. For his defiance, he was condemned to be burnt alive. The Great Martyr courageously mounted the enormous pyre, made the Sign of the Cross, and as the wood was ignited, the Holy Spirit miraculously cooled the flames. Theodore stood unharmed amidst the inferno, praising and glorifying God until he peacefully surrendered his soul into God's hands, an event witnessed by onlookers who saw his soul ascend to Heaven.

Fifty years after his martyrdom, Saint Theodore performed a pivotal miracle that secured his lasting commemoration in the Church calendar. The persecuting Emperor Julian the Apostate (361-363) sought to desecrate the Christians' Lenten fast by secretly ordering the city magistrate of Constantinople to sprinkle all marketplace food with blood offered to idols. Appearing in a dream to Archbishop Eudoxios, Saint Theodore revealed the plot and instructed the Christians to avoid the marketplace and eat only boiled wheat with honey (kolyva) instead. This timely warning saved the faithful from defilement and outrage.

In remembrance of this crucial intervention, the Orthodox Church celebrates the Holy Great Martyr Theodore the Recruit every year on the First Saturday of Great Lent. This commemoration is marked by the singing of the Canon to the Saint (composed by Saint John of Damascus) on Friday evening, followed by the blessing and distribution of kolyva to the faithful. Saint Theodore, often depicted in iconography in his military uniform, battling a snake, or alongside Saint Theodore the Commander, is also known as an intercessor for the recovery of stolen articles, confirming his role as a powerful, enduring helper for the faithful.

About Our Icons (Print and Mounted):

Theophany Works Icons are handcrafted reproductions, made with prayer and a desire for excellence. Choose from our standard mounted option on Museum Quality Paper or you may choose to upgrade to Museum Quality Matte Canvas. Both offer a rich print with saturated coloration and are finished with our high-grade UV protection sealant offering a subtle tactile texture that gives our icons a truly authentic feel. Additionally, each Maple-shelled panel is prepared with a painted chamfered front edge as well as a round-over on the back edge to give a shadow box effect when hung on the wall. Our Icons come standard with a sliding key-hole slot on the back which allows for balanced hanging. These beautiful American-made reproductions will be a beloved addition to any home or parish at the fraction of the cost of a hand painted icon.

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