St. Theodore the Recruit
St. Theodore the Recruit (the Tyro) was a young soldier newly enlisted in the Roman army at Amasea in Pontus, who openly confessed Christ during the persecution under the emperor Galerius.
Accused of setting fire to the pagan temple of Rhea, he refused every inducement to sacrifice to idols and was burned to death around the year 306. Fifty years later he appeared in a vision to Archbishop Eudoxius of Constantinople, warning the faithful that Julian the Apostate had secretly defiled the marketplace food with idol sacrifices, and instructing them to eat boiled wheat with honey (kolyva) instead; this miracle is commemorated on the first Saturday of Great Lent, when kolyva is blessed in his honor.
No recorded sayings. Read the Life to meet this saint.
Troparion
Great are the accomplishments of faith, for the Holy Martyr Theodore rejoiced in the fount of flames as though at the waters of rest; for having been made a whole burnt offering in the fire, he was offered as a sweet bread to the Trinity. By his entreaties, O Christ God, save our souls!
Kontakion
Having received the faith of Christ in your heart as a breastplate, you trampled upon inimical forces, O much-suffering champion, and you have been crowned eternally with a heavenly crown, since you are invincible.
Saints around February 17
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