Mount Athos weathered lithography (icon) of Saint Theodore the Stratelates in pine wood with carved decoration.

Saint Theodore the Stratelates lived around 320 AD and came from the Euchaites of Asia Minor. He had many talents and as a soldier he soon rose to high positions. The emperor Licinius appointed him General of Heraklion of Pontus and Theodore took advantage of his high position to spread the Christian faith. Licinius was informed of his action and in a meeting they had in Heraklion urged him to sacrifice to idols.

Theodore took the statues, broke them and shared them to the poor. This act angered the emperor who ordered his arrest. The Saint confessed his faith in Christ and he was imprisoned and tortured mercilessly. Eventually, he was beheaded and his body was buried in Euchaita. The Orthodox Christian Church commemorates him on February 8 of each year.

Apolytikion of Saint Theodore the Stratelates and Great Martyr

Fourth Tone

In truth enlisted with the King of the Heavens, thou didst become for Him a noble commander, O trophy-bearer and Great Martyr Theodore. With the weaponry of faith didst thou arm thyself wisely and didst utterly destroy all the hordes of the demons, as a triumphant athlete of the Lord; wherefore we ever do faithfully call thee blest.