Saint Theodore the Stratelates Greek Orthodox Icon
High quality byzantine Orthodox handmade icons. Made in Greece and constructed in the traditional Orthodox manner.
Iconographer: Chr. Liondas
Commemorates on: February 8
The holy Martyr Theodore was from Euchaita of Galatia and dwelt in Heraclea of
Pontus. He was a renowned commander in the military, and the report carne to
the Emperor Licinius that he was a Christian and abominated the idols. Licinius
therefore sent certain men to him from Nicomedia, to honor him and ask him to
appear before him. Through them, however, Saint Theodore sent back a message
that it was necessary for various reasons, that Licinius come to Heraclea.
Licinius, seeing in this a hope of turning Saint Theodore away from Christ did
as was asked of him. When the Emperor came to Heraclea, Saint Theodore met him
with honor, and the Emperor in turn gave Theodore his hand, believing that
through him he would be able to draw the Christians to the worship of his
idols. Seated upon his throne in the midst of the people, he publicly bade
Theodore offer sacrifice to the gods. But Theodore asked that the emperor
entrust him with the most venerable of his gods, those of gold and silver, that
he might take them home and himself attend upon them that evening, promising
that the following day he would honor them in public. The Emperor, filled with
joy at these tidings, gave command that Theodores request be fulfilled. When
the Saint had taken the idols home, he broke them in pieces and distributed the
gold and silver to the poor by night. The next day a centurion named Maxentius
told Licinius that he had seen a pauper pass by carrying the head of Artemis.
Saint Theodore, far from repenting of this, confessed Christ boldly. Licinius,
in an uncontainable fury, had the Saint put to many torments, then crucified.
While upon the cross, the holy Martyr was further tormented. his privy parts
were cut off he was shot with arrows, his eyes were put out, and he was left on
the cross to die. The next day Licinius sent men to take his corpse and cast it
into the sea; but they found the Saint alive and perfectly whole. Through this,
many believed in Christ. Seeing his own men turning to Christ, and the city in
an uproar, Licinius had Theodore beheaded, about the year 320. The Saints holy
relics were returned to his ancestral home on June 8, which is also a feast of
the Great Martyr Theodore.
The icon reproductions are created by iconographer monks of various Greek Orthodox monasteries in Greece and all images are approved replications by the Greek Orthodox Church. As icons are considered to be the Gospel in image, these images are accurate and true Orthodox renderings, not second-hand interpretations. The icon images are mounted on solid wood and protected from tarnish with a varnish finish that seals in colors and creates a shiny luster.
Icons ship direct to you from Greece. Please allow 10-20 days for delivery.