Theocteristus of Symbola

Venerable Theocteristus of Symbola (in Greek Theosteriktos, "established by God") was abbot of the Symbola Monastery on Mount Olympus in Bithynia, according to other sources of the Peletiki Monastery at Triglia, and he suffered in the time of the struggle against the holy icons.

He lived in the reign of Constantine V Copronymos (741-775), who persecuted the Orthodox for venerating the holy icons. On Holy Thursday the governor Michael Lachanodrakon attacked his monastery. Thirty-⁠eight monks were arrested, and others were tortured and mutilated. The abbot had his nose cut off and was imprisoned in Constantinople, with Saint Stephen the Younger (28 November) and many others. When the persecution ended he returned to his monastery and rebuilt it with the help of Saint Nicetas of Medikion (3 April). He reposed in peace.

He is commemorated on 10 November and on 17 February, according to the new calendar.