Great Martyr Theodore Stratelates “the General”

Theodore came from Euchaita in Asia Minor and served as a commander (stratelates) at Heraclea on the Black Sea. His Life tells that he had become famous for killing a huge serpent that terrorized the country around Euchaita. Under Emperor Licinius he openly professed his faith and brought many to Christ.

When Licinius came to Heraclea, Theodore asked to take the gold and silver statues of the gods home to honour them; that night he broke them into pieces and gave the pieces to the poor. The emperor learned of it when a beggar was seen carrying the golden head of Artemis. Theodore was tortured and crucified, then beheaded on 8 February, c. 319. His body was taken to Euchaita, to his family's estate.