Orthodox Icon of Saint Theodore Tyro

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February 17th
Troparion (Tone 2)
Great are the accomplishments of faith! In the fountain of flame as in refreshing water, the holy Martyr Theodore rejoiced. He was made a whole burnt offering in the fire and was offered as bread to the Trinity. By his prayers, O Christ our God, save our souls.

St. Theodore the Recruit (Tyro) was a Roman soldier who converted to Christianity in the early 4th century. When a persecution of Christians was ordered by the Emperors, he burned a pagan temple and openly confessed Christ, saying "Jesus Christ is my one God." (as his scroll reads) He was arrested and thrown into a sealed prison cell. The judge intended him to starve to death. The Lord Jesus Christ appeared to him in the cell and proclaimed: "Fear not, Theodore; I am with thee. Take no more earthly food and drink, for thou shalt be in the other life, eternal and unending, with Me in heaven." Then a multitude of angels shining with light appeared in the prison cell, frightening the guards. So Theodore was taken before the judge, tortured and sentenced to death. He was thrown into the fire. He gave his soul to God in 306. This icon shows him doing battle with the devil and triumphing. In the upper right are three rays coming from heaven. This is to signify that the blessing of the Trinity was visibly upon him. The guards heard the voice of the Lord and saw the angels.

This Icon is by the hand of Nicholas Papas of Greensburg, Pennsylvania.

Order # inp-124