TODAY IS A BIG HOLIDAY: We Celebrate Saint Theodore the Stratelate
These saints were not brothers by blood, but they were brothers in spirit.
TL;DR
- The Serbian Orthodox Church celebrates Saint Theodore the Stratelate on February 21st.
- Theodore Stratelates was a Roman duke and governor who served under Emperor Licinius.
- He was martyred for his Christian faith after destroying idols, converting people, and refusing to renounce Christianity.
- He endured extreme torture, including beatings, crucifixion, and being shot with arrows, before being beheaded.
- Tradition states he died on February 8, 319 AD.
- His relics were moved to Constantinople and buried in the Church of the Virgin of Blachernae.
- He is associated with miracles, including blood flowing from his fresco when shot by a Saracen.
- He is also considered a protector of young children according to tradition.