The Greek Orthodox Church 43 days before Easter remembers the miracle of Saint Theodore the Tyro and Kolyva (boiled wheat). But what does this mean?
We know from our ecclesiastical tradition that the emperor Julian the Apostate (3rd to 4th century) wanting to commit an outrage upon the Christians during the first week of Great Lent, commanded the city-commander of Constantinople to sprinkle all the food provisions in the marketplaces with the blood offered to idols.
However, the omnipotent God, with His unique power and His divine energy, made sure that the Great-martyr Theodore appeared in a dream to Archbishop Eudoxius and revealed the sabotage committed by the emperor Julian the Apostate.
The Saint ordered Archbishop Eudoxius to inform all the Christians that no one should buy anything at the marketplaces, but rather eat cooked wheat with honey (Kolyva). This is what happened.
The Christians were informed, and the unjust goal of the pagan emperor Julian was thwarted. And on Saturday, the pious people, who were kept immaculate during the “Clean Week”, thanked Saint Theodore.
In memory of this occurrence, the Orthodox Church annually celebrates the holy Great Martyr Theodore the Tyro.
Source: Metropolis of Zambia