Martyr · ca. 303
Theodore the Tyro
Great Martyr Theodore the Tyro (Recruit)
New Calendar February 17 Old Calendar March 1
Why they are a saint
The Greek Tyron means “conscript.” This holy Martyr of Christ came from Pontus and was a Roman legionary during Maximian’s persecution (ca. The Orthodox Church commemorates Theodore the Tyro on February 17.
Life
Saint Theodore the Recruit (Tyro, from the Latin tiro, a new recruit) was a soldier at Amaseia in Pontus. Ordered to sacrifice to idols, he loudly confessed Christ. Accused of burning a pagan temple, he was put in prison to starve, and the Lord appeared to him there to strengthen him.
Brought before the governor Publius, he again confessed his faith and was condemned to be burned alive. He made the sign of the Cross, stood in the flames praising God, and gave up his soul, about the year 306 under Galerius. His body, unharmed by the fire, was buried at Euchaita, and his relics were later taken to Constantinople.
Sources: OCA Lives of the Saints. Retold in our own words.
Traditional patronage
The cited source says he is prayed to for the recovery of stolen articles.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Patron of soldiers, because he was a soldier.
Prayer
O holy Theodore the Tyro, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.