Theophilus the New

Holy Martyr Theophilus the New was born and raised in Constantinople, in the time of the emperor Constantine Porphyrogenitus and his mother, the holy Irene. He was commander of the Greek armies and a senator. During the Arab invasion he was appointed commander in chief and, by his bravery and military skill, sank many enemy ships and inflicted several defeats on the Arabs. By God's permission, one day his fleet was surrounded by more numerous enemy ships and Theophilus was taken prisoner. Brought before the Arab ruler, who was struck by his beauty and courage, he was urged to renounce the Christian faith, but neither promises of honour nor the threats of the victors had any effect on the brave Christian commander. Seeing how his men had been killed, he rebuked the barbarians for their cruelty and condemned their impious faith.

He was taken to their country and shut in prison, in Cyprus. Four years later, on the occasion of a religious festival of the Arabs, he was brought out of prison and forced to take part in the festival; when he refused, he was beheaded, and so the soldier of Christ received the crown of martyrdom, in the year 784. The Church of Georgia commemorates him on 30 January (old style; 12 February new style).