Theodore the Varangian

Holy Martyr Theodore the Varangian was a Christian of Varangian (Scandinavian) origin, killed at Kyiv, according to tradition, in the year 983, together with his son John. They are counted among the first martyrs of the Rus land, before the baptism of Rus, and are commemorated on 12 July (new style).

Tradition says that when the people of Kyiv decided to sacrifice a young man to the gods, the lot fell on Theodore's son, John. The father refused to give his son to the idols and confessed Christ, and the crowd destroyed their house and killed them both. The event took place in the time of Prince Vladimir, who later ordered the baptism of Rus.