E02052: The Greek Martyrdom of *Theodoros the Recruit (soldier and martyr of Amaseia and Euchaita, S00480), of the 4th c. or later, recounts the martyrdom by fire of the young soldier at Amaseia/Amasea of Pontus (northern Asia Minor); it also mentions *Kleonikos (martyr of Pontus, S01153) as a companion of Theodoros. Finally, it recounts the burial of the saint by Eusebia, and his festival on 8 June, 9 November, or 22 February (variant versions). Written in Pontus.

Martyrdom of Theodoros the Recruit (BHG 1761, 1762, 1762c, 1762d)

Summary:

§ 1. Under Maximian and Maximinus, a persecution of Christians breaks out. Theodoros is recruited together with several others in the East, to join the legion of the Marmaritae, which has its base at Amaseia of Helenopontus, under the command of the praepositus Vringas. Theodoros kills a dragon plaguing a road in a forested place, near the town of Euchaita.

§ 2. Theodoros is brought before Vringas, in order to sacrifice, but refuses. He confesses his faith. Both Vringas and the ducenarius Poseidonios ask him to show respect for the gods and the emperors, despite his Christian faith. They give him a few days to reconsider.

§ 3.Theodoros encourages other arrested Christians from the city not to yield. While they are kept in gaol, he sets fire to the temple of the Mother of the Gods. The logistes (curator) Kronides arrests him and brings him to the judge Pouplios Stratōn, who consults with Vringas to discover if the soldier has acted on the latter's commands.

§ 4. Straton interrogates Theodoros, and demands that he sacrifices, which he refuses to. The martyr is locked in gaol, to be starved to death.

§ 5. During the night, Theodoros has a vision of Christ encouraging him, and warning him not to eat or drink of anything the persecutors will give him. Angels appear singing with him, terrifying his guards. Soldiers surround the prison, but Theodoros is found alone with the door locked.

§ 6. He is summoned by the judge who attempts to allure him with promises of high office and archpriesthood. Theodoros declines the offer, and the judge orders that he be tortured, which the martyr endures with bravery.

§ 7. The judge condemns Theodoros to be burned alive. Firewood is gathered from the baths and workshops of the town. Theodoros takes off his clothes and asks that he be not nailed to the wood. They bind him.

§ 8. The martyr offers a prayer of thanksgiving, and prays for the other recruits that have been arrested together with him. Addressing Kleonikos, he says that he will be waiting for him in the eternal life. The fire is lit, but it forms an arch, surrounding Theodoros’ body without burning it. His soul is seen received in heaven like a lightning bolt.

§ 9. A certain Eusebia requests the body of the martyr and buries it in a coffin/sarcophagus (glōssokomos) at her home.

§ 10. The martyr died on 8 June, under Maximian and Maximinus.

BHG 1762, 1762c, and 1762d mention that Eusebia buried Theodoros at Euchaita, where his feast is still held. Some manuscripts place the feast on 9 November, others on 22 February.

Text: Delehaye 1909, 127-135. Summary: E. Rizos.