The Church commemorates Hieromartyr Alexander of Jerusalem, New Martyr Nicholas of Metsovo, and Venerable Theodore the Sanctified. Venerable Theodore lived under the idolatrous Emperor Julian the Apostate.
He was born in Egypt and he devoted himself to the study of God’s word, which was preaching. Despite the fact that he was coming from an aristocratic family he decided to follow an ascetic life.
He followed a monastic path, in which he distinguished himself. His spiritual father, a well-known hermit, Saint Pachomius inspired him.
In a short period of time, Venerable Theodore managed to surpass in virtue all other monks, and although he was only 34 years old, Saint Pachomius appointed him oeconomus (treasurer) of the monastery and assigned him the pastoral service.
The fathers of the monastery acknowledged the spiritual struggles of Venerable Theodore, and, therefore, elected him abbot. He was a righteous and excellent abbot. He remained steadfast in his faith in Jesus Christ until his passing in AD 368.
Great Father Athanasios, Archbishop of Alexandria, praised the virtuous life of Saint Theodore in his writings.
Source: Church of Cyprus
