Small icon (lithograph) of Saint Theodore Stratelates, on hard MDF with matte varnish.
Dimensions: 7 x 12 cm.
Short life of Saint Theodore Stratelates
Saint Theodore Stratilate, was a young military commander who lived during the time of the great persecutions against Christians in the early 4th century. He was distinguished for his education, noble character, and courage, qualities that made him highly respected among those around him. Although he held a high rank in the Roman army, he never abandoned his faith in Christ. When he was ordered to take part in pagan rituals of Roman worship, he firmly refused, showing that he was not willing to renounce his beliefs. In a striking act, he took the golden and silver idols of the gods, destroyed them, and used the materials to help the poor, an action that provoked the authorities. His stance led to his imprisonment and subsequent torture, as the authorities attempted to force him to deny his faith. Despite the pressure and suffering, he remained steadfast until the end of his life, when he was executed. After his death, the Church honored him as a martyr and his story spread widely among Christians as an example of strength, courage and unwavering faith. His memory is celebrated on February 8.
