Saint Theodore the Stratelates (February 8 & June 8)
Saint Theodore the Tiro (February 17 & First Saturday of Great Lent)
Shrines
Veneration
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February 17, 2016
Holy Theodoroi Resource Page (Theodore the Stratelates and Theodore the Tiro)
February 8, 2017
Two Miracles of Saint Theodore the Stratelates Against the Rus in the 10th Century
1. Against the Rus in 941
The celebrated appearances of Theodore Stratelates in battles against the Rus are discussed in various historical writings. The Saint's first appearance, in 941 under Romanos Lekapenos, is recounted in the Life of Basil the Younger. Although this is a work of hagiography, it includes detailed descriptions of a number of historical events from the early to mid tenth century and seems to have been written by a contemporary.
February 17, 2017
The Veneration of the Holy Theodores in Serres
The Old Metropolitan Cathedral of the Holy Theodores
"Among the many temples, [the Church of Saints Theodoroi] adorns, honors, and makes the city of Serres known to all, no less so than the other temples. It is a holy and sacred place to wonder and marvel at, built in honor of those saints whose name means 'Gift of God'."
- Theodoros Pediasimos (a man of letters and 14th century citizen of Serres)
The church of the gloriously martyred soldier saints, Saints Theodoroi, known also as the Old Cathedral, is located in the center of the old city of Serres. It is a large square basilica (internal dimensions 15.6 by 24 meters) is divided into two parts, the portico and the main body of the church, which is itself separated by two lines of columns into three naves. The large amount of early Christian masonry that was reused in the building of the church would indicate that it was built as early as the 6th century. The exquisite church has been renovated on a number of occasions. No information is available on the history of the monument until the 15th century. However, the manner in which the church was built, and its final form in particular, are the result of a number of bold, easily distinguished, major alterations made at different periods down the ages. The materials and methods used by the craftsman for each of these alterations have helped most of the reputable scholars who have researched the church's history to draw roughly the same fundamental conclusions as to its architecture and decoration.
February 8, 2010
The Great Martyr Theodore the Stratelates
Great Martyr Theodore Stratelates (Feast Day - February 8)The Great Martyr Theodore Stratelates came from the city of Euchaita in Asia Minor. He was endowed with many talents, and was handsome in appearance. For his charity God enlightened him with the knowledge of Christian truth.
For his bravery St Theodore was appointed military commander [stratelatos] in the city of Heraclea, where he combined his military service with preaching the Gospel among the pagans subject to him. His gift of persuasion, reinforced by his personal example of Christian life, turned many from their false gods. Soon, nearly all of Heraclea had accepted Christianity.
During this time Emperor Licinius (311-324) began a fierce persecution against Christians. In an effort to stamp out the new faith, he persecuted the enlightened adherents of Christianity, who were perceived as a threat to paganism. Among these was St Theodore. Licinius tried to force St Theodore to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods. The saint invited Licinius to come to him with his idols so both of them could offer sacrifice before the people.
Blinded by his hatred for Christianity, Licinius trusted the words of the saint, but he was disappointed. St Theodore smashed the gold and silver statues into pieces, which he then distributed to the poor. Thus he demonstrated the vain faith in soulless idols, and also displayed Christian charity.
St Theodore was arrested and subjected to fierce and refined torture. He was dragged on the ground, beaten with iron rods, had his body pierced with sharp spikes, was burned with fire, and his eyes were plucked out. Finally, he was crucified. Varus, the servant of St Theodore, barely had the strength to write down the incredible torments of his master.
God, however, in His great mercy, willed that the death of St Theodore should be as fruitful for those near him as his life was. An angel healed the saint's wounded body and took him down from the cross. In the morning, the imperial soldiers found him alive and unharmed. Seeing with their own eyes the infinite might of the Christian God, they were baptized not far from the place of the unsuccessful execution.
Thus St Theodore became "like a day of splendor" for those pagans dwelling in the darkness of idolatary, and he enlightened their souls "with the bright rays of his suffering." Unwilling to escape martyrdom for Christ, St Theodore voluntarily surrendered himself to Licinius, and discouraged the Christians from rising up against the torturer, saying, "Beloved, halt! My Lord Jesus Christ, hanging upon the Cross, restrained the angels and did not permit them to take revenge on the race of man."
Going to execution, the holy martyr opened up the prison doors with just a word and freed the prisoners from their bonds. People who touched his robe were healed instantly from sicknesses, and freed from demonic possession. By order of the emperor, St Theodore was beheaded by the sword. Before his death he told Varus, " Do not fail to record the day of my death, and bury my body in Euchaita." He also asked to be remembered each year on this date. Then he bent his neck beneath the sword, and received the crown of martyrdom which he had sought. This occurred on February 8, 319, on a Saturday, at the ninth hour of the day.
The Saint's holy relics were returned to his ancestral home on June 8, which is also a feast of the Great Martyr Theodore.
St Theodore is regarded as the patron saint of soldiers.
Source
For his bravery St Theodore was appointed military commander [stratelatos] in the city of Heraclea, where he combined his military service with preaching the Gospel among the pagans subject to him. His gift of persuasion, reinforced by his personal example of Christian life, turned many from their false gods. Soon, nearly all of Heraclea had accepted Christianity.
During this time Emperor Licinius (311-324) began a fierce persecution against Christians. In an effort to stamp out the new faith, he persecuted the enlightened adherents of Christianity, who were perceived as a threat to paganism. Among these was St Theodore. Licinius tried to force St Theodore to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods. The saint invited Licinius to come to him with his idols so both of them could offer sacrifice before the people.
Blinded by his hatred for Christianity, Licinius trusted the words of the saint, but he was disappointed. St Theodore smashed the gold and silver statues into pieces, which he then distributed to the poor. Thus he demonstrated the vain faith in soulless idols, and also displayed Christian charity.
St Theodore was arrested and subjected to fierce and refined torture. He was dragged on the ground, beaten with iron rods, had his body pierced with sharp spikes, was burned with fire, and his eyes were plucked out. Finally, he was crucified. Varus, the servant of St Theodore, barely had the strength to write down the incredible torments of his master.
God, however, in His great mercy, willed that the death of St Theodore should be as fruitful for those near him as his life was. An angel healed the saint's wounded body and took him down from the cross. In the morning, the imperial soldiers found him alive and unharmed. Seeing with their own eyes the infinite might of the Christian God, they were baptized not far from the place of the unsuccessful execution.
Thus St Theodore became "like a day of splendor" for those pagans dwelling in the darkness of idolatary, and he enlightened their souls "with the bright rays of his suffering." Unwilling to escape martyrdom for Christ, St Theodore voluntarily surrendered himself to Licinius, and discouraged the Christians from rising up against the torturer, saying, "Beloved, halt! My Lord Jesus Christ, hanging upon the Cross, restrained the angels and did not permit them to take revenge on the race of man."
Going to execution, the holy martyr opened up the prison doors with just a word and freed the prisoners from their bonds. People who touched his robe were healed instantly from sicknesses, and freed from demonic possession. By order of the emperor, St Theodore was beheaded by the sword. Before his death he told Varus, " Do not fail to record the day of my death, and bury my body in Euchaita." He also asked to be remembered each year on this date. Then he bent his neck beneath the sword, and received the crown of martyrdom which he had sought. This occurred on February 8, 319, on a Saturday, at the ninth hour of the day.
The Saint's holy relics were returned to his ancestral home on June 8, which is also a feast of the Great Martyr Theodore.
St Theodore is regarded as the patron saint of soldiers.
Source
Life of St. Theodore
By St. Nikolai Velimirovich
By St. Nikolai Velimirovich
There are martyrdoms more precious than precious. The preciousness of martyrdom depends upon the greatness of the good which a Christian abandons and in lieu of that, accepts suffering; and still, it depends upon the greatness of the suffering which he endures for Christ's sake.
St. Theodore, a Roman commander in the army of Emperor Licinius and mayor of the town of Heraclea, scorned his youth, handsome appearance, military rank and the good graces of the emperor. In place of all that, he accepted horrible tortures for the sake of Christ.
At first, Theodore was flogged and received six-hundred lashes on his stomach. After this, he was raised on a cross and was completely pierced with lances. Finally, Theodore was beheaded.
Why all of this? Because, St. Theodore loved Christ the Lord above all else in the world. He abhorred the stupid idolatry of the superstitious Emperor Licinius.
He smashed the idols of silver and gold and distributed pieces of them to the poor. He converted many to the Faith of Christ and called upon Emperor Licinius himself to reject idolatry and to believe in the One Living God. During the entire time of his tortures, St. Theodore said repeatedly: "Glory to You my God, glory to You!"
St. Theodore suffered on February 8, 319 A.D., at 3:00 p.m., and entered into the kingdom of Christ. St. Theodore is considered the Protector of Soldiers who call upon him for assistance. His miracle-working relics were translated from Euchaita to Constantinople and interred in the Church of Balchernae.
St. Theodore, a Roman commander in the army of Emperor Licinius and mayor of the town of Heraclea, scorned his youth, handsome appearance, military rank and the good graces of the emperor. In place of all that, he accepted horrible tortures for the sake of Christ.
At first, Theodore was flogged and received six-hundred lashes on his stomach. After this, he was raised on a cross and was completely pierced with lances. Finally, Theodore was beheaded.
Why all of this? Because, St. Theodore loved Christ the Lord above all else in the world. He abhorred the stupid idolatry of the superstitious Emperor Licinius.
He smashed the idols of silver and gold and distributed pieces of them to the poor. He converted many to the Faith of Christ and called upon Emperor Licinius himself to reject idolatry and to believe in the One Living God. During the entire time of his tortures, St. Theodore said repeatedly: "Glory to You my God, glory to You!"
St. Theodore suffered on February 8, 319 A.D., at 3:00 p.m., and entered into the kingdom of Christ. St. Theodore is considered the Protector of Soldiers who call upon him for assistance. His miracle-working relics were translated from Euchaita to Constantinople and interred in the Church of Balchernae.
Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone
In truth enlisted with the King of the Heavens, thou didst become for Him a noble commander, O trophy-bearer and Great Martyr Theodore. With the weaponry of faith didst thou arm thyself wisely and didst utterly destroy all the hordes of the demons, as a triumphant athlete of the Lord; wherefore we ever do faithfully call thee blest.
Kontakion in the Second Tone
In courage of soul, and furnished with the arms of faith, thou tookest in hand the word of God as though a spear and didst put thy foe to flight, thou great boast of martyrs, O Theodore; now together with them, O Saint, cease not to entreat Christ our God for all of us.
In truth enlisted with the King of the Heavens, thou didst become for Him a noble commander, O trophy-bearer and Great Martyr Theodore. With the weaponry of faith didst thou arm thyself wisely and didst utterly destroy all the hordes of the demons, as a triumphant athlete of the Lord; wherefore we ever do faithfully call thee blest.
Kontakion in the Second Tone
In courage of soul, and furnished with the arms of faith, thou tookest in hand the word of God as though a spear and didst put thy foe to flight, thou great boast of martyrs, O Theodore; now together with them, O Saint, cease not to entreat Christ our God for all of us.
March 14, 2019
Synaxis of the Icon of the Mother of God of Saint Theodore
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| Synaxis of the Icon of the Mother of God of Saint Theodore (Feast Days - March 14 & August 16) |
The Theodore or Kostroma or Feodorovskaya Icon of the Mother of God was allegedly painted by the Evangelist Luke, but more likely is a copy of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God which it resembles.
This icon received its name from Great Prince Yaroslav Vsevolodovich (+ 1246), the father of Saint Alexander Nevsky, and who in holy Baptism was named Theodore in honor of Saint Theodore Stratelates (Feb. 8).
According to one tradition, Prince Basil of Kostroma, the younger brother of Prince Alexander Nevsky, became lost in the forest while hunting game. This was on August 16, 1239. He saw an icon standing amid one of the spruces, but when he tried to take it down, it rose up in the air. Amazed by such a wondrous occurrence, Prince Basil returned to the city and told the clergy and the people of his vision. Everyone went out to the forest and, in truth, found the icon in the indicated spot and fell to their knees in prayer to the Mother of God. The clergy then took the icon and carried it to the church. The inhabitants of Kostroma observed that while the prince was hunting in the forest, a warrior in rich armor came up to the city with an icon in his hands. The warrior looked like the image of the Great Martyr Theodore Stratelates, in whose honor the Kostroma Cathedral was consecrated, and for this reason the icon was called Feodorovskaya. One time several people living in the vicinity of the Gorodetsk Monastery that had been destroyed by the Tatars came to Kostroma, and they immediately recognized the cathedral icon that used to be in their church.
June 8, 2011
The Relics and Blood-Flowing Icon of St. Theodore Stratelates
By St. Nikolai Velimirovich
St. Theodore Stratelates is commemorated on February 8 and on that date his life is recounted.
However, June 8 commemorates the translation of his relics from Heraklion to Euchaita. Before his martyrdom, Saint Theodore left the following instructions in his will to Varus his servant: 'Bury my body in Euchaita on the estate of my ancestors.'
St. Anastasios of Sinai wrote about the miracle of the icon of St. Theodore: In the town of Karsat near Damascus, there was a church dedicated to St. Theodore Stratelates. When the Saracens conquered Damascus, a group of Saracens took up residence in this church with their wives and children. There was a fresco of the image of St. Theodore on the wall. One of the Saracens shot an arrow and struck the image of the saint in the face. At once blood flowed from the image. Soon after that, the entire group of those Saracens perished in the church. St. Anastasios said that he was personally in that church, saw the image of the saint on the wall and traces of congealed blood.
Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone
In truth enlisted with the King of the Heavens, thou didst become for Him a noble commander, O trophy-bearer and Great Martyr Theodore. With the weaponry of faith didst thou arm thyself wisely and didst utterly destroy all the hordes of the demons, as a triumphant athlete of the Lord; wherefore we ever do faithfully call thee blest.
Kontakion in the Second Tone
As Christ the Saviour's mighty athlete and victor, and a provider of the gifts come from Heaven, thou always swiftly helpest with thy prayers to God all those who seek refuge in thy divinely-graced temple and who flee with fervent faith to thy holy protection. Wherefore we cry to thee: Deliver us from every danger, O thrice-blessed Theodore.
February 8, 2021
The Church and Miracles of Saint Theodore the Stratelates in Karpasia of Cyprus
Wherever in Cyprus there is a church dedicated to Saint Theodore, it is dedicated to the Stratelates and not the Tiro, except in two cases (in Larnaca and Monagrouli). The other twenty-one churches, chapels and ruins are dedicated to the Stratelates. Only one chapel is dedicated to both Holy Theodoroi, located west of the village of Agios Therapon in Limassol and was of the basilica style. Unfortunately, however, the church was swept away by the river and rebuilt.
The village of Agios Theodoros in Karpasia has about a thousand inhabitants and owes its name to a church found there. It is built on the east side of the village, with dimensions of 42 feet long and 12 feet wide. It used to be the parish church of the village. At first sight it can be seen that it was built in three different eras. The original church was a square 12´X 12´ with a wooden roof. The second section was added later when the inhabitants of the village were enlarged by adding a new section 14´X 12´ with a vaulted roof, and during the Turkish occupation it seems that the third section was added as a section for females.
The village of Agios Theodoros in Karpasia has about a thousand inhabitants and owes its name to a church found there. It is built on the east side of the village, with dimensions of 42 feet long and 12 feet wide. It used to be the parish church of the village. At first sight it can be seen that it was built in three different eras. The original church was a square 12´X 12´ with a wooden roof. The second section was added later when the inhabitants of the village were enlarged by adding a new section 14´X 12´ with a vaulted roof, and during the Turkish occupation it seems that the third section was added as a section for females.
September 19, 2017
Holy Prince Theodore of Smolensk (+ 1299) and his Children Saints David and Constantine
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| Sts. Theodore, David and Constantine of Smolensk (Feast Day - September 19) |
The holy right-believing Prince Theodore of Smolensk and Yaroslavl, nicknamed the “Black” [i.e. “dark” or “swarthy”], was born at a terrible time for Rus: the Mongol invasion of 1237-1239. At Baptism he was named for the holy Great Martyr Theodore Stratelates (February 8), who was particularly esteemed by the Russian warrior-princes.
Prince Theodore was famed for his military exploits. The child Theodore was not in the city when, through the prayers of the Most Holy Theotokos, the holy Martyr Mercurius (November 24) delivered Smolensk from being captured by Batu In the year 1239. They had taken him away and hidden him in a safe place during the warfare. In 1240 his father, Prince Rostislav died. He was a great-grandson of the holy Prince Rostislav of Smolensk and Kiev (March 14).
February 17, 2011
Holy New Martyr Theodore of Byzantium (+ 1795)
St. Theodore of Byzantium (Feast Day - February 17) By Hieromonk Makarios of Simonopetra
Saint Theodore was born in 1774 in a village near Constantinople. He was apprenticed to a Christian painter employed in the palace of Sultan Selim (1788-1807); but despite a pious upbringing, in which he had been attentive to the Holy Scriptures and to prayer, the lure of the pleasures and luxury of the court led him to adhere to Islam. After living for three years in worldliness and frivolity, a dreadful visitation of the plague, which struck all ranks of society including the Sultan's entourage, made Theodore realize the vanity of worldly pleasures. Having come to his right mind, he fled from the palace in disguise and was reconciled to the Church by anointing with Holy Myron. He then took ship to Chios, where he spent some time under the direction of a spiritual father, the renown trainer of neomartyrs, St. Makarios of Corinth (April 17).
Saint Theodore was born in 1774 in a village near Constantinople. He was apprenticed to a Christian painter employed in the palace of Sultan Selim (1788-1807); but despite a pious upbringing, in which he had been attentive to the Holy Scriptures and to prayer, the lure of the pleasures and luxury of the court led him to adhere to Islam. After living for three years in worldliness and frivolity, a dreadful visitation of the plague, which struck all ranks of society including the Sultan's entourage, made Theodore realize the vanity of worldly pleasures. Having come to his right mind, he fled from the palace in disguise and was reconciled to the Church by anointing with Holy Myron. He then took ship to Chios, where he spent some time under the direction of a spiritual father, the renown trainer of neomartyrs, St. Makarios of Corinth (April 17).
Repeated Confession, reception of the Holy Mysteries, and reading of the feats of New Martyrs like Saint Polydoros (Sept. 13), brought him to the firm decision that he too would seal his repentance by shedding his blood for the Lord. After a difficult battle, he overcame the temptation to abandon this holy resolve and went to the island of Mytilene, accompanied by a zealous brother who had already helped Saint Polydoros. On Thursday of the first week of Great Lent he presented himself dressed as a Muslim before the judge. Boldly confessing his conversion, he tore off his green turban and trampled it underfoot. The judge took him for a fool and committed him to prison in chains, giving the gaolers leave to beat and insult him as they pleased. The following day, after a second court appearance, he was taken back to prison and beaten 300 times on the soles of his feet. His cell door was left open for anyone to come in and beat him. A gang of some fifteen Muslims then set upon the Holy Martyr, who endured their blows without complaint, only saying in a choking voice: "I am a Christian!" Afterwards, they tied two bricks to his temples so tightly with a chord that his eyes were forced from their sockets. As he called with loud cried for help from above, they struck him on the mouth, broke his teeth, and left him half dead.
A young Christian named George, an avid reader of the feats of the Holy Martyrs, got himself imprisoned in order to observe Saint Theodore's contests. He stayed at his side, kissing his feet and encouraging him, while the Turks questioned him and subjected him to different torments.
When sentence of death was finally delivered, the executioners tore off his fetters with violence and beat him along the way to the place of his execution. Having confessed Christ one last time, he was hanged on the gallows, but the rope broke and he fell to the ground, hurting his legs. He was strung up again, and thus obtained the much longed for crown of martyrdom. For three days Christians hastened there from all parts to take pieces of his tunic, and to soak them in his precious blood, which continued to flow from his wounds, and many were healed of their sicknesses. Saint Theodore was solemnly laid to rest, and he is venerated as one of the holy protectors of the island of Mytilene.
From The Synaxarion (vol. 3), pp. 542-543.
A young Christian named George, an avid reader of the feats of the Holy Martyrs, got himself imprisoned in order to observe Saint Theodore's contests. He stayed at his side, kissing his feet and encouraging him, while the Turks questioned him and subjected him to different torments.
When sentence of death was finally delivered, the executioners tore off his fetters with violence and beat him along the way to the place of his execution. Having confessed Christ one last time, he was hanged on the gallows, but the rope broke and he fell to the ground, hurting his legs. He was strung up again, and thus obtained the much longed for crown of martyrdom. For three days Christians hastened there from all parts to take pieces of his tunic, and to soak them in his precious blood, which continued to flow from his wounds, and many were healed of their sicknesses. Saint Theodore was solemnly laid to rest, and he is venerated as one of the holy protectors of the island of Mytilene.
From The Synaxarion (vol. 3), pp. 542-543.
The Prayer of St. Theodore
As he was preparing for his martyrdom, a fellow monk of St. Theodore in Chios wrote the following prayer for him:
Lord Jesus Christ, the physician of my miserable soul, do not turn from me the sinner in disgust, but strengthen my weak and hardened heart, and warm it in its love for Your martyrdom. I denied You, my Maker and Benefactor, without being forced by anyone and became a servant of the vile devil and a plaything of demons, and found myself under their authority and subject to their will. Now aided by Your grace and unsurpassable forbearance, which has helped me to flee their traps, help me, who am a miserable and pitiful creature, unworthy of the Orthodox Christian calling, to confess You before rulers and tyrants. Yes, my Lord, yes Only-Begotten Son of God. Do not turn in disgust from your servant, but accept me in the choir of your martyrs, and find me worthy to gain their forgiveness. Amen.
Translation of his Relics
After the martyrdom of Saint Theodore, the Christians buried him in the southern area of the Chrch of the Panagia Chrysomallousas. In 1798 his sacred relic was translated to a crypt in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Mytilene. This is commemorated on April 30th.
The Miraculous Deliverance of Mytilene from the Plague of 1832
On the fourth Sunday after Pascha, which is the Sunday of the Paralytic, the Church commemorates the miraculous deliverance of Mytilene from the plague of 1832.
Read: St. Theodore of Byzantium and the Miraculous Deliverance of Mytilene from the Plague in 1832
As he was preparing for his martyrdom, a fellow monk of St. Theodore in Chios wrote the following prayer for him:
Lord Jesus Christ, the physician of my miserable soul, do not turn from me the sinner in disgust, but strengthen my weak and hardened heart, and warm it in its love for Your martyrdom. I denied You, my Maker and Benefactor, without being forced by anyone and became a servant of the vile devil and a plaything of demons, and found myself under their authority and subject to their will. Now aided by Your grace and unsurpassable forbearance, which has helped me to flee their traps, help me, who am a miserable and pitiful creature, unworthy of the Orthodox Christian calling, to confess You before rulers and tyrants. Yes, my Lord, yes Only-Begotten Son of God. Do not turn in disgust from your servant, but accept me in the choir of your martyrs, and find me worthy to gain their forgiveness. Amen.
Translation of his Relics
After the martyrdom of Saint Theodore, the Christians buried him in the southern area of the Chrch of the Panagia Chrysomallousas. In 1798 his sacred relic was translated to a crypt in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Mytilene. This is commemorated on April 30th.
The Miraculous Deliverance of Mytilene from the Plague of 1832
On the fourth Sunday after Pascha, which is the Sunday of the Paralytic, the Church commemorates the miraculous deliverance of Mytilene from the plague of 1832.
Read: St. Theodore of Byzantium and the Miraculous Deliverance of Mytilene from the Plague in 1832
The Metropolitan Cathedral and Sts. Theodoroi Church In Mytilene
A few blocks from the port in Mytilene town, are enshrined the relics of St. Theodore of Byzantium. On his feast day, February 17th, Orthodox Christians celebrate his memory with flowers and brightly illuminated lanterns in the church bell tower. In 1888, however, when the regions newly assigned pasha asked what the Christians were commemorating and was told about St. Theodore, he became angry and forbade them to display public veneration for the martyr. The next morning the pasha was found dead, and everyone, both Christians and Muslims, believed this to be an act of God, a punishment for forbidding of the celebration.
The Metropolitan Cathedral (the new Cathedral) and Sts. Theodoroi (the old Cathedral) are just a few blocks away from the waterfront of Mytilene town. The Metropolitan Cathedral contains the skull of St. Theodore and is open daily. The old Cathedral is a block away, and though officially dedicated to the Annunciation, the locals call it "Agioi Theodori", after Sts. Theodore Stratelates, Theodore the Tiro and Theodore of Byzantium.
A few blocks from the port in Mytilene town, are enshrined the relics of St. Theodore of Byzantium. On his feast day, February 17th, Orthodox Christians celebrate his memory with flowers and brightly illuminated lanterns in the church bell tower. In 1888, however, when the regions newly assigned pasha asked what the Christians were commemorating and was told about St. Theodore, he became angry and forbade them to display public veneration for the martyr. The next morning the pasha was found dead, and everyone, both Christians and Muslims, believed this to be an act of God, a punishment for forbidding of the celebration.
The Metropolitan Cathedral (the new Cathedral) and Sts. Theodoroi (the old Cathedral) are just a few blocks away from the waterfront of Mytilene town. The Metropolitan Cathedral contains the skull of St. Theodore and is open daily. The old Cathedral is a block away, and though officially dedicated to the Annunciation, the locals call it "Agioi Theodori", after Sts. Theodore Stratelates, Theodore the Tiro and Theodore of Byzantium.
Apolytikion in the First Tone
Thou wast offered to God as a precious gift through thy labours in conflict, and didst become a blameless and acceptable offering. O blessed Theodore we praise thy struggles; we give glory to God who has strengthened thee, O much-afflicted one, against all thine enemies, visible and invisible.
Kontakion in the Fourth Tone
Thy contest has arisen like a bright morning star and has inspired us to glorify Christ. He has shown thee forth as one steadfast in struggle, O Martyr Theodore.
Megalynarion
Let us the faithful praise the pearl of Jesus in odes and hymns, Christ's bright star of the neomartyrs, Theodore the New, the boast of the faithful.
The Apolytikion for the Translation of the Relics of St. Theodore of Byzantium (April 30th) in the Fourth Tone
The all-precious Relics of St. Theodore, O faithful, let us gloriously honor as a precious treasure, and let all cry out: Save us from the dangers, those who faithfully hymn you, as when you delivered the city from the plague, and preserve all of us through your intercessions.
Thou wast offered to God as a precious gift through thy labours in conflict, and didst become a blameless and acceptable offering. O blessed Theodore we praise thy struggles; we give glory to God who has strengthened thee, O much-afflicted one, against all thine enemies, visible and invisible.
Kontakion in the Fourth Tone
Thy contest has arisen like a bright morning star and has inspired us to glorify Christ. He has shown thee forth as one steadfast in struggle, O Martyr Theodore.
Megalynarion
Let us the faithful praise the pearl of Jesus in odes and hymns, Christ's bright star of the neomartyrs, Theodore the New, the boast of the faithful.
The Apolytikion for the Translation of the Relics of St. Theodore of Byzantium (April 30th) in the Fourth Tone
The all-precious Relics of St. Theodore, O faithful, let us gloriously honor as a precious treasure, and let all cry out: Save us from the dangers, those who faithfully hymn you, as when you delivered the city from the plague, and preserve all of us through your intercessions.
October 2, 2019
Righteous Theodore Ushakov, Admiral of the Russian Naval Fleet (+ 1817)
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| St. Theodore Ushakov the Admiral (Feast Day - October 2) |
Saint Theodore, one of Russia’s greatest naval heroes of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, was born on February 13, 1745 in the village of Burnakovo of the Yaroslavl province, and came from a rather poor but ancient noble family. His parents were called Theodore Ignatievich and Paraskeva Nikitichna, and they were deeply pious people.
Young Theodore was raised knowing that he was born in between two feast days of two great warriors who bore his name - Saints Theodore the Stratelates (Feb. 8) and Theodore the Tiro (Feb. 17), and that his uncle was Venerable Theodore (Ushakov) of Sanaxar Monastery, a monastic saint who lived from 1719 to 1791 and is commemorated on February 19th. These examples were deeply imprinted in the heart of the young man, and he preserved this throughout his life.
June 8, 2010
The Relics and Blood-Gushing Icon of St. Theodore the Stratelates
Transfer of the Relics of St. Theodore the Commander (Feast Day - June 8)The Holy Great Martyr Theodore Stratelates suffered for Christ in Heraklea on February 8, 319. At the time of his sufferings the holy Great Martyr Theodore ordered his servant Varus to bury his body on the estate of his parents in Euchaita. The transfer of the relics of the Great Martyr Theodore took place on June 8, 319.
On this day we also recall a miracle of the icon of the Great Martyr Theodore in a church dedicated to him at a place called Karsat, near Damascus. A group of Saracens had turned this church into their residence. There was a fresco on the wall depicting Theodore. One of the Saracens shot an arrow into the icon of the Great Martyr. From the saint's face, where the arrow had stuck into the wall, blood flowed before the eyes of everyone. A short while later, the Saracens who had settled in the church killed each other. Accounts of this miracle are given by the Anastasius of Mt. Sinai (April 20) and John of Damascus (December 4). St. Anastasius said that he was personally in that church, saw the image of the saint on the wall and traces of congealed blood.
Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone
In truth enlisted with the King of the Heavens, thou didst become for Him a noble commander, O trophy-bearer and Great Martyr Theodore. With the weaponry of faith didst thou arm thyself wisely and didst utterly destroy all the hordes of the demons, as a triumphant athlete of the Lord; wherefore we ever do faithfully call thee blest.
Kontakion in the Fourth Tone
As Christ the Saviour's mighty athlete and victor, and a provider of the gifts come from Heaven, thou always swiftly helpest with thy prayers to God all those who seek refuge in thy divinely-graced temple and who flee with fervent faith to thy holy protection. Wherefore we cry to thee: Deliver us from every danger, O thrice-blessed Theodore.
On this day we also recall a miracle of the icon of the Great Martyr Theodore in a church dedicated to him at a place called Karsat, near Damascus. A group of Saracens had turned this church into their residence. There was a fresco on the wall depicting Theodore. One of the Saracens shot an arrow into the icon of the Great Martyr. From the saint's face, where the arrow had stuck into the wall, blood flowed before the eyes of everyone. A short while later, the Saracens who had settled in the church killed each other. Accounts of this miracle are given by the Anastasius of Mt. Sinai (April 20) and John of Damascus (December 4). St. Anastasius said that he was personally in that church, saw the image of the saint on the wall and traces of congealed blood.
Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone
In truth enlisted with the King of the Heavens, thou didst become for Him a noble commander, O trophy-bearer and Great Martyr Theodore. With the weaponry of faith didst thou arm thyself wisely and didst utterly destroy all the hordes of the demons, as a triumphant athlete of the Lord; wherefore we ever do faithfully call thee blest.
Kontakion in the Fourth Tone
As Christ the Saviour's mighty athlete and victor, and a provider of the gifts come from Heaven, thou always swiftly helpest with thy prayers to God all those who seek refuge in thy divinely-graced temple and who flee with fervent faith to thy holy protection. Wherefore we cry to thee: Deliver us from every danger, O thrice-blessed Theodore.
June 8, 2018
Synaxarion of the Translation of the Sacred Relic of Saint Theodore the General
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| Translation of the Sacred Relic of St. Theodore the Stratelates (Feast Day - June 8) |
Verses
Homeland of Theodore receive him dead,
Who is alive among the Martyrs enriching the celestial homeland.
On the eighth the body of the blessed Theodore was conveyed.
Who is alive among the Martyrs enriching the celestial homeland.
On the eighth the body of the blessed Theodore was conveyed.
He was during the reign of Emperor Licinius (307–324), and was from Euchaita, which is commonly known as Ephleem, in Galatia. He lived in Heraclea which is located near the Black Sea. He was beautiful in his physical appearance, but even more beautiful in his soul, and adorned with reason and knowledge and wisdom, with some even calling him a fountain of rhetoric (vryorretora). Having been tried with every torment and punishment, he was perfected in martyrdom. As a conqueror his holy soul departed to the heavens. His holy relic remained on earth, and gushed forth a stream of healings to those who hastened to them with faith. The translation of this sacred relic we celebrate today. It was transferred from Heraclea to Euchaita, and it was placed in the parental home of the Saint, as the Martyr himself had communicated regarding this to his notary Abgar, before he was beheaded, the details of which are written in the Synaxarion of the Saint, which can be found under the eighth of February.*
Saints and Feasts of June 8
On the eighth the body of the blessed Theodore was conveyed.
Translation of the Sacred Relic of the
Holy Great Martyr Theodore the General
Synaxarion of the Translation of the Sacred Relic of Saint Theodore the General
Holy Theodoroi Resource Page (Theodore the Stratelates and Theodore the Tiro)
Holy Martyrs Nikandros and Markianos
Holy Martyrs Nikandros and Markianos at Dorostolum in Moesia
Holy Martyr Kalliopi
Venerable Melania the Elder
Venerable Melania the Elder (+ 410)
Venerable Athre
Holy Abba Athre of Nitria
Holy Martyr Nikandros
Holy Martyr Nikandros
Holy Martyr Mark
Holy Martyr Mark
Venerable Naukratios, Brother of Basil the Great
Saint Naukratios, Brother of Basil the Great
Venerable Naukratios the Confessor and Studite
Saint Naukratios the Studite (+ 847)
Holy New Martyr Theophanes of Constantinople
Holy Venerable Martyrs Theophanes the Elder
and Paisios of Messolonghi
Translation of the Relics of the Holy Princes
Basil and Constantine Vsevolodovich of Yaroslavl
Basil and Constantine Vsevolodovich of Yaroslavl
Holy Princes Basil and Constantine Vsevolodovich of Yaroslavl
Synaxis of the Most Holy Theotokos and
the Archangel Michael at the Sosthenion
Synaxis of the Most Holy Theotokos and the Archangel Michael at the Sosthenion
Commemoration of the Blood-Flowing Icon of
Saint Theodore in Karsatas
February 8, 2016
Synaxarion of Holy Great Martyr Theodore the Stratelates
On the eighth of this month [February], we commemorate the Holy Great Martyr Theodore the Stratelates.
Verses
Theodore, having the rank of Commander,
Was beheaded, and came to be God's Commander.
On the eighth mighty Theodore was cut at the neck.
Saint Theodore lived during the reign of Emperor Licinius (308-324), and was from Euchaita, which is to be found in Galatia, and he lived in Heraclea which is near the Black Sea. He exceeded most, both in the beauty of his soul and the beauty of his physical form, as well as in the power of his words, which is why all desired to be honored with his friendship. For this reason Emperor Licinius, with much thought and attention, desired to converse with him, and all those who had heard, concerning the matter that he was a Christian, and that he abhorred and hated what he and the Greeks referred to as gods.
February 17, 2018
Saints and Feasts of February 17
On the seventeenth the Tiron was burned in fire.
Holy Great Martyr Theodore the Tiro
Holy Theodoroi Resource Page (Theodore the Stratelates and Theodore the Tiro)
Saint Mariamne, Sister of Saint Philip the Apostle
Saint Mariamne, Sister of Saint Philip the Apostle
Saint Auxibios, Bishop of Soli in Cyprus
Saint Auxibios, Bishop of Soli in Cyprus
Saint Auxibios and the Forty Demon Possessed Men
Venerable Theosteriktos of Symboloi
Saint Theosteriktos, Abbot of Symboloi Monastery
Finding of the Sacred Relic of the
Holy Martyr Menas the Kallikelados
Pious Emperors Marcian and Pulcheria
Saint Pulcheria, Empress of the Romans
Venerable Theodore the Silent of the Kiev Caves
Saint Theodore the Silent of the Kiev Caves
Venerable Romanos of Trnovo
Saint Theodosius of Trnovo (+ 1363)
Holy Hieromartyr Hermogenes the Wonderworker,
Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia
Holy Hieromartyr Hermogenes the Wonderworker, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia (+ 1612)
Holy New Martyr Theodore of Byzantium
Holy New Martyr Theodore of Byzantium (+ 1795)
Holy New Hieromartyr Theodore of Adjara
Holy New Hieromartyr Theodore of Adjara (+ 1822)
Saint Barnabas of Gethsemane
Saint Barnabas of Gethsemane (+ 1906)
Synaxis of Panagia Dakrirooussa of Prophet Elias Skete
February 8, 2018
Saints and Feasts of February 8
On the eighth mighty Theodore was cut at the neck.
Holy Great Martyr Theodore the Stratelates
Holy Theodoroi Resource Page (Theodore the Stratelates and Theodore the Tiro)
Holy Prophet Zechariah
Synaxarion of the Holy Prophet Zechariah the Sickle-Seer
Prophet Zechariah the Sickle-Seer
Prophet Zechariah as a Model for our Lives
Chapel of the Prophet Zechariah in Kos
Holy Martyrs Martha and Mary the Sisters
and the Venerable Martyr Lykarion
Holy Martyrs Nikephoros and Stephen
Holy Martyrs Nikephoros and Stephen
Holy Martyrs Philadelphos and Polykarpos
Saints Philadelphos and Polykarpos
Venerable Makarios, Bishop of Paphos
Saint Makarios, Bishop of Paphos (+ 1688)
Saint Pergetes
Saint Pergetes
Saint Oncho of Clonmore
Saint Oncho of Clonmore
Saint Sava II, Archbishop of Serbia
Saint Sava II, Archbishop of Serbia (+ 1271)
Saint Lyubov of Ryazan, the Fool for Christ
June 29, 2010
A Hierarchical Concelebration In Cappadocia
On 27 June 2010, Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, head of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for External Church Relations, concelebrated the Divine Liturgy with His Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, His Beatitude Pope and Patriarch Theodore of Alexandria and All Africa, and His Beatitude Archbishop Hieronymos of Athens and All Greece. The Liturgy was celebrated at the Church of the Great Martyrs Ss Theodore Tyron and Theodore Stratelates in Malakopi (Derinkuyu).
The monastic choir of Xenophontos Monastery sang during the divine service.
In his homily delivered after the Gospel reading His Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew welcomed Metropolitan Hilarion as a wonderful theologian who has dedicated his studies particularly to St. Gregory the Theologian and remarked that Metropolitan Hilarion and his suite have arrived for pilgrimage to the holy sites of Cappadocia with the blessing His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia. The Primate of the Orthodox Church of Constantinople added that in 2007 His Holiness, who was Metropolitan of Smolensk and Kaliningrad at that time, took part in the similar pilgrimage.
His Beatitude Archbishop Hieronymos of Athens and All Greece and Metropolitan Hilarion addressed the Primates of the Local Orthodox Churches, bishops, clerics, monks and laymen at the end of the service. Metropolitan Hilarion said:
“I wholeheartedly greet you all who have gathered in this holy church on behalf of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia and on my own behalf.
“Cappadocia is a holy land to the members of the Russian Orthodox Church. Ss. Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian and Gregory of Nyssa, who were great fathers, pillars of the Church and universal theologians. Had shone forth in this land. Monks and nuns had lived here throughout centuries ‘in caves and holes in the ground’ (Heb 11:38); the blood of martyrs and confessors had been shed here.
“Cappadocia is a much suffered land, as its churches, once magnificent and beautiful, have fell in desolation.
“We were persecuted for our faith for seventy years of godless power in Russia. Many churches were blown up or ruined, monasteries were closed, and priests were shot to death or exiled. No one could imagine twenty-five or thirty years ago that church life in Russia will be revived, the churches of God will be built and adorned, and hundreds of new monasteries will open their gates to monks and nuns. Yet, God has performed a miracle, and the Orthodox faith that has lived in human hearts has been revived in Russia.
“We believe that the light of Christian faith will be rekindled in this holy land.
“I cordially greet all whose predecessors lived in this land and those who have come here to honour their memory.
“I join His Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew in calling you to cherish memory of the land of your forefathers, to pass your love of this land to your children and grandchildren and to come here again and again. Do not let the churches in this land to turn into ruins even if they are not used for intended purposes at present.
“Give support to your Patriarch who come here every year to celebrated in the churches of this holy land,
“Your Holiness! I wholeheartedly thank you for an invitation to make pilgrimage to the churches and monasteries of this land together with you.
“Please accept a modest gift, my book about St. Gregory the Theologian in the French language, as a token of our pilgrimage. An ancient countenance of the Saint, survived at a church in Cappadocia by a miracle, is on the cover. May the prayers of St. Gregory, your predecessor at the Patriarchal throne of Constantinople, help you in your primatial ministry.”
Archpriest Nikolai Balashov, deputy chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate’ Department for External Church Relations, was among the concelebrants.
The Divine Liturgy being over, His Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew conducted a requiem litia for Orthodox Christians who lived in Cappadocia.
Source
February 1, 2019
The Month of February in the Orthodox Church
By John Sanidopoulos
The Roman month Februarius was named after the Latin term februum, which means purification, via the purification ritual Februa held on February 15 (full moon) in the old lunar Roman calendar. January and February were the last two months to be added to the Roman calendar, since the Romans originally considered winter a monthless period. They were added by Numa Pompilius about 713 BC. Under the reforms that instituted the Julian calendar, Intercalaris was abolished, leap years occurred regularly every fourth year, and in leap years February gained a 29th day.
February is the second and shortest month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendar with 28 days in common years and 29 days in leap years, with the quadrennial 29th day being called the leap day. It is the first of five months to have a length of less than 31 days (the other four months that fall under this category are: April, June, September, and November), and the only month to have a length of less than 30 days, with the other seven months having 31 days. February is the third and last month of meteorological winter in the Northern Hemisphere. In the Southern Hemisphere, February is the third and last month of summer (the seasonal equivalent of August in the Northern Hemisphere, meteorological reckoning).
March 20, 2021
Clean Saturday Resource Page
First Saturday of Great Lent: Epistle and Gospel Reading
Synaxarion for the First Saturday of Great Lent
Synaxarion for the First Saturday of Great Lent
Discourse on the Miracle of the Holy Great Martyr Theodore on the First Saturday of the Holy Fast (Archbishop Nektarios of Constantinople)
Holy Theodoroi Resource Page (Theodore the Stratelates and Theodore the Tiro)
Holy Theodoroi Resource Page (Theodore the Stratelates and Theodore the Tiro)
Saturday of Souls Resource Page
Homily for the First Saturday of Great Lent (St. Symeon the New Theologian)
Reflection for Clean Saturday (St. Theophan the Recluse)
Homily for the First Saturday of Great Lent (St. John of Kronstadt)
Homily for the First Saturday of Great Lent (St. Symeon the New Theologian)
Reflection for Clean Saturday (St. Theophan the Recluse)
Homily for the First Saturday of Great Lent (St. John of Kronstadt)
August 4, 2011
The Prayer of the Holy Seven Youths For One Who Is Ill And Cannot Sleep
In the Euchologion (Book of Prayers) there is a prayer for those suffering from insomnia, especially in time of illness, titled "Prayer For One Who Is Ill and Cannot Sleep, Known As That of the Seven Holy Youths". This prayer is not very ancient, as it mentions St. Athanasius of Athos (c. 950). Read more on the Seven Youths, here.
Priest: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest:
O God, Great, Praised, Incomprehensible and Ineffable, Who didst fashion man with Thy hands, taking dust from the earth, and Who didst honor him with Thine Image, O Jesus Christ, Most-desired Name, together with Thy Father Who is without beginning, and Thy Most-Holy, Good, and Lifegiving Spirit: Do Thou manifest unto Thy servant, N., and visit him (her) in soul and body, being entreated by our most-glorious Sovereign Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary; by the holy Bodiless Powers of Heaven; by the honorable and glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John; by the holy, glorious and all-praised Apostles; by the holy, glorious and right-victorious Martyrs; by our Fathers among the Saints and ecumenical Teachers: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom; by Athanasius and Cyril, Nicholas of Myra in Lycia, Cyril and Methodius, Teachers of the Slavs, Spyridon the Wonderworker, and all the holy Hierarchs; by the holy Apostle, Protomartyr and Archdeacon Stephen; by the holy, glorious Greatmartyrs: George the Trophy-bearer, Demetrius the Myrrgusher, Theodore Stratelates, and all the holy Martyrs; by our Venerable and Godbearing Fathers: Anthony, Euthymius, Savvas the Sanctified, Theodosius (Founder of the Common Life), Onouphrius, Arsenius, Athanasius the Athonite, and all the Venerable Ones; by the holy Unmercenary Physicians: Cosmas and Damian, Cyrus and John, Panteleimon and Hermalaeus, Samson and Diomedes, Thalelaeus and Tryphon, and all the rest; by Saint(s), N. (of the Day); and by all Thy Saints; and grant unto him (her) a peaceful sleep, the sleep of bodily health and salvation, and life and strength of soul and body, as once Thou didst visit Abimelech, Thy favorite, in the house of Agrippa, and gavest him the consolation of sleep, that he not see the Fall of Jerusalem, and having nourished him with sleep, didst raise him up again in the twinkling of an eye, to the glory of Thy goodness; and as Thou didst make manifest Thy holy glorious Seven Youths, confessors and witnesses of Thine Appearance in the days of the Emperor Decius and the Apostate, having sustained them in the cave for 372 years[1], as infants kept warm in their own mother's womb, none having endured corruption, to the praise and glory of Thy love for mankind, and for a testimony and confession of our regeneration and the resurrection of all. Do Thou Thyself, therefore, O Lover of Mankind and King, be present now also with the infusion of Thy Holy Spirit, and visit Thy servant, N., and grant unto him (her) health, strength and power, by Thy grace, for with Thee every action is good, and every gift is perfect. For Thou art the Physician of our souls and bodies, and unto Thee do we send up glory, thanksgiving and worship, together with Thy Father Who is without beginning, and Thy Most-Holy, Good, and Lifegiving Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
1. It was actually about 184 years.
From The Great Book of Needs (vol. III), St. Tikhon's Seminary Press, 2002, pp. 4-5.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest:
O God, Great, Praised, Incomprehensible and Ineffable, Who didst fashion man with Thy hands, taking dust from the earth, and Who didst honor him with Thine Image, O Jesus Christ, Most-desired Name, together with Thy Father Who is without beginning, and Thy Most-Holy, Good, and Lifegiving Spirit: Do Thou manifest unto Thy servant, N., and visit him (her) in soul and body, being entreated by our most-glorious Sovereign Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary; by the holy Bodiless Powers of Heaven; by the honorable and glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John; by the holy, glorious and all-praised Apostles; by the holy, glorious and right-victorious Martyrs; by our Fathers among the Saints and ecumenical Teachers: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom; by Athanasius and Cyril, Nicholas of Myra in Lycia, Cyril and Methodius, Teachers of the Slavs, Spyridon the Wonderworker, and all the holy Hierarchs; by the holy Apostle, Protomartyr and Archdeacon Stephen; by the holy, glorious Greatmartyrs: George the Trophy-bearer, Demetrius the Myrrgusher, Theodore Stratelates, and all the holy Martyrs; by our Venerable and Godbearing Fathers: Anthony, Euthymius, Savvas the Sanctified, Theodosius (Founder of the Common Life), Onouphrius, Arsenius, Athanasius the Athonite, and all the Venerable Ones; by the holy Unmercenary Physicians: Cosmas and Damian, Cyrus and John, Panteleimon and Hermalaeus, Samson and Diomedes, Thalelaeus and Tryphon, and all the rest; by Saint(s), N. (of the Day); and by all Thy Saints; and grant unto him (her) a peaceful sleep, the sleep of bodily health and salvation, and life and strength of soul and body, as once Thou didst visit Abimelech, Thy favorite, in the house of Agrippa, and gavest him the consolation of sleep, that he not see the Fall of Jerusalem, and having nourished him with sleep, didst raise him up again in the twinkling of an eye, to the glory of Thy goodness; and as Thou didst make manifest Thy holy glorious Seven Youths, confessors and witnesses of Thine Appearance in the days of the Emperor Decius and the Apostate, having sustained them in the cave for 372 years[1], as infants kept warm in their own mother's womb, none having endured corruption, to the praise and glory of Thy love for mankind, and for a testimony and confession of our regeneration and the resurrection of all. Do Thou Thyself, therefore, O Lover of Mankind and King, be present now also with the infusion of Thy Holy Spirit, and visit Thy servant, N., and grant unto him (her) health, strength and power, by Thy grace, for with Thee every action is good, and every gift is perfect. For Thou art the Physician of our souls and bodies, and unto Thee do we send up glory, thanksgiving and worship, together with Thy Father Who is without beginning, and Thy Most-Holy, Good, and Lifegiving Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
1. It was actually about 184 years.
From The Great Book of Needs (vol. III), St. Tikhon's Seminary Press, 2002, pp. 4-5.
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