Saint Theodore was born in Mytilene. Yielding to temptation, he renounced Christ and embraced Islam. Realizing his error, he repented and journeyed to Mount Athos, where he confessed his sin and devoted himself to the struggle for his spiritual salvation. However, filled with love for God, he longed to attain martyrdom. Strengthened by the power of prayer and the blessing of his spiritual father, he returned to his homeland in order to confess his faith.
He appeared before the judge and spoke of the truth of Christianity, expressing his desire to defend the true God. The judge, unable to understand him, ordered that he be imprisoned. After numerous interrogations and repeated but unsuccessful attempts to persuade him to abandon his faith, he was condemned to death. The saint endured severe tortures, throughout which he remained steadfast and unshaken.
Upon reaching the place of execution, he prayed and, after asking for forgiveness, he ascended the gallows. His holy relics were cast into the sea. However, they were soon recovered and buried by the faithful in the church of Saint John the Baptist.
Saint Theodore suffered martyrdom in 1784.
