Hand painted Orthodox icon on wood, "Saint Theodore the Tyro", 20x26 cm

Hand-painted Orthodox icon on wood, representing Saint Theodore the Tyro. Original artwork signed by Ana Drăgan (DAM).

The Great Martyr Theodore the Tyro, also Theodore the Recruit, Theodore the Soldier, and Theodore of Amasea, was a soldier who served in the Roman army during the time of the great persecution of Maximian of the turn of the third to fourth centuries. His feast day is February 17.

Saint Theodore the Tyro was born in Amasea, in the region of Pontus. Though a Christian from childhood, he served in the Roman army and concealed his faith, waiting for a divine sign to offer himself for martyrdom. While stationed near Euchdita, he learned of a terrifying dragon threatening the local people. Believing this was a test from God, he entered the forest, was guided by a Christian princess named Eusebia, and slew the dragon after arming himself with the sign of the Cross.

Encouraged by this victory, Saint Theodore openly declared his Christian faith when the Roman commander ordered sacrifices to the pagan gods. Refusing to participate, he encouraged fellow Christians to remain steadfast. One night, inflamed with zeal, he destroyed the altar of the goddess Rhea, leading to his arrest.

Brought before Governor Puplius, Theodore remained calm and resolute, declaring the futility of idolatry. Despite threats and imprisonment, he was strengthened by a vision of Christ who promised him heavenly food and protection. While tortured, he remained joyful in the Lord, and when offered a pagan priesthood as a reward, he mocked the offer and declared his readiness to die for Christ.

Eventually, he was condemned to be burned alive. At the stake, after a fervent prayer, the flames encircled but did not touch him, and he surrendered his soul to God. His body was buried in Euchaita, and his relics were later transferred to Constantinople, with his head preserved in Gaeta, Italy.

His miracle: In 361, during the reign of Julian the Apostate, the emperor ordered the food in Constantinople’s markets to be defiled with idol sacrifices during Lent. Saint Theodore appeared in a vision to Patriarch Eudoxus, warning the faithful to eat only boiled wheat (kollyva) prepared at home. This miraculous intervention protected Christians from defilement and is commemorated by the Church on the first Saturday of Great Lent.

Saint Theodore continued to work miracles, appearing to the faithful in times of need. He once rescued a widow’s son from captivity and became known as a protector of Christians, especially in times of danger and distress.