Theodorus of Perge

Holy Martyr Theodore of Perge (Perga in Pamphylia) suffered in the second century, in the reign of the Roman emperor Antoninus Pius (138 to 161), together with his mother Philippa (Philippia), with Dioscorus and with the soldiers Socrates and Dionysius. He is commemorated on 21 April by the old calendar (4 May by the new). The Greek source gives two days, 19 April and 21 September. Our record gives the years 200 and 220, which do not fit the reign of Antoninus.

He was from Perge and, according to the Greek source, a soldier in the battalion of recruits, called "tirones"; according to the Serbian source, chosen in youth for service at the court of the emperor Antoninus. At the levy for the Roman army he refused to bow to idols and said he was a Christian. For this he was arrested, imprisoned and tortured. In one torture he was thrown into fire. According to tradition, water gushed from the ground and put out the fire. The governor ascribed it to Theodore's sorcery. Theodore said that this was not the work of his power but of Christ his God, and that if he wished to know the power of his gods, he should kindle another fire and throw into it one of his soldiers. The governor wished to throw in a soldier, but they, in fear, begged him to throw the priest Dioscorus in their place. The priest asked to have thrown in the idol of Zeus itself and the other idols. Hearing this, the governor suspected that Dioscorus too had become a Christian, because of the miracle with Theodore, and Dioscorus confessed it, and the governor condemned him to death. The Russian source says that the pagan priest Dioscorus accepted Christianity on seeing Theodore's steadfastness and miraculous deliverance; then they tried to tear Theodore apart with horses, but without success, and at last they crucified him.

The governor condemned to death both Theodore and the two soldiers, Socrates and Dionysius, and Theodore's mother, Philippa. Theodore was crucified and died only on the third day. Socrates and Dionysius were pierced with a spear, and Philippa was cut down with the sword. The head of Saint Theodore of Perge is kept on Mount Athos, at the Iviron monastery.