Great Martyr Theodore Stratelates the Commander.
February 8
St. Theodore Stratelates, the Commander, was a general in the Roman army, admired for his bravery and his noble bearing. A Christian, he openly confessed Christ before the Emperor Licinius during the persecutions of the early fourth century, and for this he was subjected to cruel tortures and finally beheaded at Heraclea.
He is honored as a Great Martyr and, together with St. Theodore the Recruit, is one of the most beloved warrior saints of the Church, a patron of soldiers. He is commemorated on February 8.
June 8
The Holy Great Martyr Theodore Stratelates, the Commander, was a military governor in Asia Minor who suffered for Christ under the emperor Licinius at the beginning of the fourth century. Confessing the Lord openly and overturning the worship of idols, he endured cruel tortures and was beheaded, encouraging the faithful to stand firm.
On June 8 the Church commemorates the translation of his relics to his family home at Euchaita, according to his own dying wish. With St. Theodore the Recruit he is one of the two beloved warrior saints named Theodore, invoked by soldiers and honored throughout the Orthodox world.
Feast day
On the New Calendar, Theodore Stratelates is commemorated on February 8. Churches on the Old (Julian) Calendar keep the feast on February 21 of the civil calendar.
On the New Calendar, Theodore Stratelates is commemorated on June 8. Churches on the Old (Julian) Calendar keep the feast on June 21 of the civil calendar.
Who celebrates a name day
People with these names keep their name day on this feast:
Theodoros, Theodoris, Teddy, Ted, Fyodor, Theodore
Also commemorated on February 8
Zechariah the Prophet
Prophet, Ζαχαρίας ο Προφήτης
Holy Prophet Zechariah, one of the Twelve Minor Prophets.
Martha, Mary and Lycarion
Holy Woman, Μάρθα, Μαρία και Λυκαρίων
Virgin Martyrs Martha and Mary, and their brother the monk-martyr Lycarion, in Egypt.
Nikephoros and Stephen the Martyrs
Martyr, Νικηφόρος και Στέφανος
Holy Martyrs Nikephoros and Stephen, who suffered by the sword.
Icon: public domain image from Wikimedia Commons.
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