June 13, 2019 - Paona 6, 1735
Martyrdom of St.Theodore the Monk
Martyrdom of St.Theodore the Monk
On this day, St. Theodore the Monk, was martyred. He was born in the city of Alexandria. He became a monk in one of the monasteries near the city, and became known for his pure life and strenuous asceticism. When Constantius, the son of the righteous emperor Constantine, followed the Arians, he sent an arian patriarch to Alexandria called Gawargios. He was accompanied by a number of soldiers. He exiled St.Athanasius, the Pope of Alexandria, and sat in his place after he had killed many of the believers. St. Theodore, with Christian zeal, disputed with the Arians, and exposed their infidelity. The alien Patriarch seized him, tortured him much, then ordered that he be tied to the legs of unbridled horses. The horses were then released. St. Theodore's body was torn to pieces and his head was smashed. He delivered up his soul into the hand of the Lord and received the crown of martyrdom. The believers collected his holy members, and laid them in a coffin. They established a feast for him on this day.
May his prayers be with us and glory be to God forever. Amen.
