Looking Ahead

Seeing with their own eyes the the prisoners from their bonds. FEBRUARY 8, 2015 infinite might of the Christian People who touched his robe God, they were baptized not far were healed instantly from ST. SPIRIDON ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL from the place of the sicknesses, and freed from 400 Yale Ave., Seattle, WA 90109 unsuccessful execution. demonic possession. By order of WEEKLY PUBLICATION the emperor, St Theodore was Thus St Theodore became “like a beheaded by the sword. Before SUNDAY OF THE PRODIGAL SON day of splendor” for those his death he told Varus, “ Do not Tone 2. Afterfeast of the Meeting. Greatmartyr Theodore Stratelates (“the pagans dwelling in the darkness fail to record the day of my General”—319). Prophet Zachariah (ca. 520 B.C.). St. Sava II, Archbishop of of idolatary, and he enlightened death, and bury my body in Serbia (1269). their souls “with the bright rays Euchaita.” He also asked to be of his suffering.” Unwilling to remembered each year on this escape martyrdom for Christ, St date. Then he bent his neck THE GREAT MARTYR THEODOR Theodore voluntarily beneath the sword, and received STRATELATES surrendered himself to Licinius, the crown of martyrdom which and discouraged the Christians he had sought. This occurred on from rising up against the February 8, 319, on a Saturday, torturer, saying, “Beloved, halt! at the third hour of the day. My Lord Jesus Christ, hanging upon the Cross, restrained the St Theodore is regarded as the angels and did not permit them patron saint of soldiers. to take revenge on the race of man.” Going to execution, the holy martyr opened up the prison doors with just a word and freed LOOKING AHEAD Wednesday, February 11: 6:00pm Inquirer Class The Great Martyr Theodore him with the knowledge of Saturday, February 14: 6:30pm Vespers Stratelates came from the city of Christian truth. The bravery of Euchaita in Asia Minor. He was the saintly soldier was revealed Sunday, February 15: 9:30am Liturgy endowed with many talents, and after he, with the help of God, Web: www.saintspiridon.org Ph: 206.624.5341 was handsome in appearance. killed a giant serpent living on a Rector: Archpriest Yuri Maev For his charity God enlightened precipice in the outskirts of Email: [email protected] Home: 425.216.3671 Euchaita. The serpent had both of them could offer sacrifice devoured many people and before the people. animals, terrorizing the Tone 2 Troparion (Resurrection) countryside. St Theodore armed Blinded by his hatred for himself with a sword and Christianity, Licinius trusted the When Thou didst descend to death, O Life immortal, vanquished it, glorifying the words of the saint, but he was Thou didst slay hell with the splendor of Thy Godhead. name of Christ among the disappointed. St Theodore And when from the depths Thou didst raise the dead, people. smashed the gold and silver all the powers of heaven cried out:// statues into pieces, which he “O Giver of life, Christ our God, glory to Thee!” For his bravery St Theodore was then distributed to the poor. appointed military commander Thus he demonstrated the vain Tone 1 Troparion (Meeting of the Lord) [stratelatos] in the city of faith in soulless idols, and also Heraclea, where he combined his displayed Christian charity. Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos, Full of Grace! From thee shone the Sun of Righteousness, ^Christ our God, military service with preaching enlightening those who sat in darkness. the Gospel among the pagans St Theodore was arrested and Rejoice and be glad, O righteous Elder, subject to him. His gift of subjected to fierce and refined thou didst accept in thine arms the ^Redeemer of our souls,// persuasion, reinforced by his torture. He was dragged on the Who grants us the Resurrection! personal example of Christian ground, beaten with iron rods, life, turned many from their false had his body pierced with sharp Tone 3 Kontakion (from the Lenten Triodion) gods. Soon, nearly all of spikes, was burned with fire, and Heraclea had accepted his eyes were plucked out. I have recklessly forgotten Thy glory, O Father; Christianity. Finally, he was crucified. Varus, and among sinners I have scattered the riches which Thou the servant of St Theodore, gavest me. During this time the emperor barely had the strength to write And now I cry to thee as the Prodigal: Licinius (311-324) began a fierce down the incredible torments of I have sinned before Thee, O merciful Father; persecution against Christians. his master. receive me as a penitent, // In an effort to stamp out the new and make me as one of Thy hired servants! faith, he persecuted the God, however, in His great Tone 1 Kontakion (Meeting of the Lord) enlightened adherents of mercy, willed that the death of St Christianity, who were perceived Theodore should be as fruitful By Thy Nativity Thou didst sanctify the Virgin’s womb as a threat to paganism. Among for those near him as his life and didst bless Simeon’s hands, ^O Christ God. these was St Theodore. Licinius was. An angel healed the saint’s Now Thou hast come and saved us through love. tried to force St Theodore to wounded body and took him Grant peace to all Orthodox Christians, // offer sacrifice to the pagan gods. down from the cross. In the O only Lover of Man! The saint invited Licinius to morning, the imperial soldiers come to him with his idols so found him alive and unharmed. .

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