November 9: Saint Theodore Tyro

Today, November 9, we celebrate the feast day of Saint Theodore Tyro (also known as Saint Theodore of Amasea and Saint Theodore the Recruit, 286-306), one of the oldest of the eastern martyrs. While little is known about his life, he is included in the Roman martyrology, and greatly venerated in the Eastern Church as one of the three "Soldier Saints," with Saints George and Demetrios.


Theodore was born into a noble family, probably near Alasium, Turkey, and enrolled in the imperial army while still just a boy. Drawn to the Lord at an early age, Theodore had converted, against the wishes of his parents most likely, and was almost immediately confronted with a significant dilemma upon entering the army. Having been assigned into his legion, although still referred to as a “tyro” (or recruit), Theodore marched with the army into Pontus. At that time, the Roman Emperor issued an edict that forcing all Christians to offer sacrifices. Failure to do so meant certain persecution and death. Theodore was thus faced with the choice between apostasy and torture.

When it came time for Theodore to prove his allegiance to the emperor, he courageously declared before his commander that he was ready to be ”cut up in pieces and offer every limb to the Savior Jesus Christ," who had died for him,” rather than offer sacrifice to a false god. The commander, a relatively gentle man, left Theodore in peace for some time, hoping that would reconsider his decision.

Given time to himself, Theodore felt compelled to preach the news of Christ, fortifying other Christians, and assisting them in their preparations for martyrdom. So enflamed with the spirit of the Lord, Theodore set fire to the temple dedicated to “the mother of all gods,” Isis, in the city of Amasea. Rather than attempt to hide or conceal his act, he presented himself for arrest, declaring the reason to be that he wished to prevent the sacrifices committed each day in that “place of abomination.” The judge was left with little choice than to have him tortured and killed. Theodore was first cruelly scourged, and then placed in a solitary cell, deprived of food and water. He would be left alone until he starved to death.

According to holy legend, Our Lord, Himself, visited Saint Theodore during his incarceration, proclaiming: "Fear not, Theodore; I am with thee. Take no more earthly food and drink, for thou shalt be in the other life, eternal and unending, with Me in heaven." Filled with the immense joy of Christ, Saint Theodore began to sing, and was immediately joined by angels in white robes. Together they sang the most beautiful hymns of joy and praise, witnessed by the jailers, guards, and judge who had sentenced him. Rather than be moved, they opted for more cruel torture, giving Theodore an ounce of bread and flask of water each day—just to keep his suffering going a bit longer. He refused, content with his heavenly nourishment.

After some time, as Theodore did not appear to be weakening as expected, he was given another opportunity by the authorities to recant his faith. The judge tried his hardest to get Theodore to renounce his faith, telling him that his life would be saved. Theodore made the Sign of the Cross, and replied, “As long as I have breath, I will confess the name of Christ.”

As he refused, he was again cruelly beaten, had his flesh ripped with iron hooks, and was burnt with torches. After this cruel torture, the judge told him to think about the shame to which Christ had brought him.

“This shame,” Theodore answered, “I and all who invoke His name take with joy.”

Steadfast in his faith, he was condemned to be burnt alive. Joyously, and ready to be joined with his Maker, Saint Theodore made the Sign of the Cross, and filled with hope and love, climbed into the furnace which would be his coffin. Christian witnesses present at his death reported seeing his soul rise to heaven like “a flash of light and fire.”

While we know little about the life of Saint Theodore, what we do know records his strength of character, his commitment to the Lord, and his courage. Content to turn from the world, Saint Theodore—at great cost to himself—held true to our faith, making a bold proclamation of the salvation of Christ. We have the opportunity to do the same thing, in both big and little ways, each day of our lives. How often do we choose the Lord over the things of this world?


O Heavenly King, Saint Theodore was a young soldier in the Roman army when he converted to Christianity. Though he was ordered to fight enemies of the empire, he believed that the devil was the only true enemy. Soon, he was killed for being a Christian, thus winning the battle against the demons who wanted to keep him out of Heaven. I ask him to pray for my fight against evil and temptation and to pray for all my loved ones during their battles. Help us, O victorious Jesus, to turn away from sin and to grow in holiness. Teach us how to always wear the armor of God. Saint Theodore, pray for us. Amen.



Day 313 of 365
Prayer Intentions: For all those persecuted for their faith; for courageous prioritization.
Requested Intentions: Successful employment (J); Successful employment (L); For a healthy child (L); Recovery from stomach illness of a friend (A); Employment and financial security (E); Conversion of sons (L); Freedom from financial stress, employment (C); Spiritual growth and family peace (A); Freedom to immigrate (D); End to debt (N); Restoration of a marriage (J); Complete recovery of son (P); Recovery of parish priest, health of mother, conversion of son (J); Successful employment, end to depression (J); Successful immigration and employment (S); Conversion of an unloving daughter (M); Recovery of husband, health of mother, economic freedom (R); Freedom from depression, restoration of family relationships (N); Restoration of a relationship (J); Healing of friends from cancer (J); Complete healing of a friend with pancreatic cancer (J); Healing of a father following stroke (S).