Life Saint Theodore of Sykeon

1 life

1.1 life
1.2 bishop
1.3 veneration

life
early life

theodore born in sykeon, village in galatia. public highway of imperial post ran through village, , on road stood inn kept beautiful girl, mary, , mother, elpidia, , sister despoinia. , these women lived in inn , followed profession of courtesans. theodore son of mary , cosmas, had become popular in hippodrome in corps of performed acrobatic feats on camels, appointed carry out emperor s orders.

when twelve years old epidemic of bubonic plague fell upon village , attacked him along others came near dying. took him shrine of st. john baptist near village , laid him @ entrance sanctuary, , recovered , returned home.

he used frequent shrine dedicated martyr st. george, located rocky hill lay near village. @ age of fourteen, went there live. @ such young age, theodore granted gift of healing.

theodore withdrew complete solitude, cave not far oratory of st george. persuaded deacon bring him bread , water , told no one, had hidden himself.

bishop

for 2 years st theodore lived in seclusion until news of youth’s exploits reached local bishop theodosius, ordained him diaconate, , later holy priesthood, although saint seventeen years old @ time.

he chosen bishop of anastasioupolis.

during reign of emperor maurice (r. 582–602), foretold of emperor s death , of great tribulations, terrible scourges [that] threaten world. proven correct outbreak of 26-year-long persian war sparked death of maurice. close friend of family of emperor phocas. despite that, spoke of

the trembling of cross forecasts crowd of misfortunes , perils us. yes, forecasts fluctuations in our faith, , apostasies, invasions of many barbarian peoples, floods of blood scattered, ruin , captivity everyone,the desolation of holy churches, halting of divine service, fall , upsetting of empire, embarrassments without number , serious times state. in short, announces coming of enemy [devil] soon.

furthermore, pray phocas if latter stopped massacring people. still, after successful rebellion of emperor heraclius, intervened save life of domentziolus, nephew of phocas. in return, st. theodore of sykeon asked pray [heraclius] , reign.

st. theodore of sykeon had relations patriarch sergius of constantinople. still, historian walter kaegi says heraclius may have felt reserve in relations st. theodore. during lent 613, heraclius asked st. theodore s blessing in fighting persians. st. theodore blessed him , invited him dinner, heraclius refused because of time concerns. however, saint claimed because did not accept saint s gifts sign of our defeat . indeed, heraclius lost battle of antioch.

he died on april 22, 613.

veneration

his remains brought constantinople protect them persian war , add divine protection city. elaborate ceremony of reception of remains associated st. theodore heraclius s regime.