Saint Theodore the Tyro, who is commemorated today, came from the village of Amaseia in the Black Sea region, called Humiala. He lived during the reigns of Emperors Maximian (286 – 305 AD), Galerius (305 – 311 AD), and Maximinus (305 – 312 AD).
He is called “The Tyro” because he was a young recruit in the Roman army, serving in the cohors Tyronum under the command of Praepositus (regimental commander) Brincus. He was accused of being Christian and was called to say whether he truly believed in the Holy Gospel and Jesus Christ. He unflinchingly confessed his faith in Christ.
Brincus did not want to arrest and punish Saint Theodore but allowed him to think it over. He believed, in vain, that Saint Theodore would change his mind and willingly sacrifice to the idols. Not only did Theodore remain steadfast in his faith, but he also burned the temple of Cybele, the mother of the gods, along with its magnificent idol. Immediately afterwards he was arrested and was executed by the pagans by being thrown into a furnace.
The Synaxis of the Holy Great Martyr Theodore the Tyro is celebrated on the Saturday of the First Week of Lent, commemorating his martyrdom in the area of Phorakio or Sphorakio. It was on this day that the Saint performed the miracle of kollyva, saving the Orthodox people from consuming food tainted by idolatry, which they were unknowingly about to eat.
In hagiography, Saint Theodore of Tyre is depicted in four different forms. He is often depicted alone in military attire, or facing a snake-dragon with Saint Theodore Stratelates, either standing or on horseback. He always wears a military uniform.
Source: Vema tis Ekklisias
