Theodore of Nicomedia

Holy Martyr Theodore of Nicomedia (of Kandava) suffered together with the Holy Martyrs Mian, Julian and Cion, in the time of the Emperor Maximian (305 to 311). They came from the village of Kyandavava, near Nicomedia.

For confessing faith in Christ they were seized and handed over to torture. First their bodies were scraped with sharp iron claws, then they were shut in a bath heated very hot. So that they would not escape, the doors were locked and sealed with the imperial ring. An angel of God freed them. The soldiers seized them again and led them out of the city to death. At their request the saints were given time to pray, and then they gladly gave their souls to the Lord. Their bodies were cut into pieces and thrown into the fire.

They are commemorated on 17 September (new style). The story of their martyrdom was also written down by Saint Demetrius of Rostov.