Feb. 8 – Theodore the General

Great Martyr Theodore the General lived in the city of Euchaita in Asia Minor. He was virtuous, wise, and brave, and for this reason was appointed stratelates—that is, general—in the city of Heraclea, near the Black Sea. Theodore governed the city with wisdom and meekness, and thereby won the affection of the citizens, so that many of them accepted the Christian faith which he himself confessed. When the emperor Licinius learned that Theodore was converting many to Christ, he summoned him to himself and demanded that he publicly offer sacrifice to the idols which Licinius had brought with him.