Theodore was a general in the early fourth century during the reign of Licinius. He was renowned for his skill as a strategist and commander of men. However, he was a believer. Licinius wanting to pursuade Theodore to revert to paganism, and through him those who honoured and respected him, went to see the general in person at Heraclea.
The two men recieved one another with great honour, finally the emperor asked Theodore to make an offering to the gods. Theodore asked instead that he might take the emperor’s personal idols home with him to worship in private, and that the following day he would restore them, and make a public offering. Licinius was re-assured that his plan was working and granted Theodore’s request.
At home, the general, far from worshipping the gods, broke up the gold and silver statues and distributed the pieces to the poor. The next morning a centurion reported to Licinius that he had seen a pauper carrying the head of Artemis (goddess of the hunt, wilderness, fertility and virginity).
Theodore confessed his faith in Christ, and the enraged emperor had him crucified, and tortured while on the cross. The following day, he sent soldiers to dump the body in the sea, but they found the saint whole, and alive. Seeing that his own entourage were beginning to be persuaded themselves, Licinius ordered Theodore to be beheaded.
Today is also cheesefare, and the seventh day of the feast of the Presentation.
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