A renowned military commander Theodore Stratelates was also a fervent Christian. The emperor Licinius, sought to ben him to his will and make him worship idols. Saint Theodore asked to be entrusted with the idols so that he could attend to them for a night. When the emperor granted the request, Theodore took the idols home smashed them and distributed the pieces of gold and silver to the poor through the night. In a fury the emperor ordered him tortured. He was crucified and subjected to many torments. The following day when soldiers came to toss his corpse into the sea, they found him alive and healed. Many were converted. The emperor had him beheaded. These event occurred about the year 320. His feast day is June 8.
