The story of Saint Theodore martyr, patron and protector of children (Video prayer)

The noble and venerated San Teodoro he came from the city of Amasea in Pontus and served as a Roman legionary during the ferocious persecution orchestrated by Maximian in approximately 303 AD. Since his youth, he professed the Christian faith, keeping his conviction secret not out of cowardice, but because he was waiting for a divine sign before presenting himself for the ultimate sacrifice.

At a certain moment in his life, moment, while his legion was camped near Euchaita, learned of the terror instilled by a scary dragon who was hiding in the surrounding forest. Understanding that this could be the sign expected from God, ventured into the forest and discovered a village abandoned. Here, a Christian princess named Eusebia revealed the location of the fearsome dragon.

The martyrdom of Saint Theodore

Equipped with the sign of the cross, Saint Theodore set off in search of the dragon. When he saw him, he thrust his spear into his head defeating him. Convinced that the victory over the visible dragon was the divine sign to also face the spiritual dragon, the devil, Theodore returned tocamp ready to confess his faith. When the commander of the legion ordered a sacrifice to the idols of the Empire, Theodore I decline openly, declaring that worship Christ alone, its true King.

During the night, Theodore went to the pagan temple, destroying thealtar of Rhea, the mother of the gods. Discovered, he was brought before the'emperor Publius, where he faced all kinds of things. Despite the torments he suffered, the Saint maintained his steadfastness, refusing to offer sacrifices to idols. Led to a dark cell, he received a visit from Christ, who promised him peace His Grace as support. The Martyr spent his time in the cell singing hymns with the Angels.

When he found himself in the presence of the governor who proposed to him the appointment of high priest of the idols, he refused and was subjected to terrible torments. However, he did not give up enough to push the governor to condemn him to the stake. Theodore without fear, approached the stake, he prayed and walked through the flames without suffering any damage. His spirit yes raised in thanksgiving to God in the midst of the flames.

The body of the martyr

The devotee Eusebia redeemed the Martyr's body, bringing it to Euchaita, where a church was built in his honor. Many pilgrims obtained healings, asking for his intercession. In 361, during the reign of Julian the Apostate, Theodore intervened again to protect Christians from the attempted idolatrous contamination of food. Appearing in vision to the Patriarch Eudochio, the Saint suggested consuming boiled wheat instead of buying contaminated food.

Thanks to the intervention of Theodore, the Christian people were preserved from'idolatry. Since then, the Church commemorates this miracle on the first Saturday of Great Lent, teaching that fasting and temperance cleanse from the stains of sin. Saint Theodore of Tire accomplished numerous Miracles, showing himself as the heavenly protector of the Christian people.