The Church commemorates Prophet Zechariah, Greatmartyr Theodore Stratelates and Saint Makarios, Bishop of Paphos.
Saint Theodore Stratelates came from Euchaita and lived in the city of Heraclea Pontica. He was a soldier, known for his courage and, therefore, he got a higher position in the army. Theodoros, a very brave athlete, was at the same time a model of modesty as befits a true Christian.
When Emperor Licinius visited the city of Heraclea, he had the opportunity to meet Theodore, whom he admired from the beginning. In the meantime, he asked for some further information about the Saint. When he learned that Theodore was Christian, he ordered the soldiers to bring him before him. The Emperor ordered Theodore to offer sacrifices to the idols, but the Saint refused. He even took valuable objects from the temples and gave them to the poor.
Despite the threats, Saint Theodore remained steadfast in his faith. He was removed from the army, tortured and finally beheaded.
Saint Makarios, whose memory we also celebrate today, was the bishop of the Metropolis of Paphos and reposed in the Lord in AD 1688.
Source: Church of Cyprus