SAINT THEODORE TYRO
Martyr
(† c. 306)
Early in 306, an emperor's edict required all Christians to offer pagan sacrifice. St. Theodore had just joined the legion and marched with them into Pontus, when he had to choose between apostasy and death. He declared before his commander that he was ready to be cut in pieces and offer up every limb to his Creator, who had died for him.
Wishing to conquer him by gentleness, the commander left him in peace for a while, that he might think over his resolution; but Theodore used his freedom to set on fire the great temple of Isis, and made no secret of it. Still his judge entreated him to renounce his faith and save his life; but Theodore made the sign of the cross, and answered: "As long as I have breath, I will confess the name of Christ." After cruel torture, the judge bade him think of the shame to which Christ had brought him. "This shame," Theodore answered, "I and all who invoke His name take with joy."
By some accounts, while St. Theodore was being burned to death, a Christian saw his soul rise like a flash of lightning to heaven. Without a shadow of a doubt, he intercedes for us in heaven.