Saint Blessed Prince Theodore, son of the Smolensk Prince Rostislav Mstislavovich, descended from Saint Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince Vladimir. Having only the city of Mozhaysk as his appanage, he demonstrated patience and meekness, which led to the acquisition of the Yaroslavl principality. Marrying the daughter of Prince Vasily of Rostov, he had a son, Michael, and a daughter, and after the death of his brother Michael, he inherited the Smolensk principality.
Theodore, living piously, honored priests and monks, and was charitable to the poor. During the Tatar yoke, he traveled to the Horde to the khan, where he was received with honor and offered to marry the khan's daughter, but he refused, maintaining fidelity to his wife. After receiving confirmation for his rule in Yaroslavl, he returned home but faced resistance from the boyars, who did not want to accept him. The khan, learning of this, insisted on his return, and Theodore again became the prince of Yaroslavl.
The prince governed Yaroslavl wisely and gently, caring for the welfare of the people. Falling ill, he called his family and bequeathed to them to live in love and peace. Taking monastic vows, he joyfully thanked God for the gift. He died on September 19, 1299, and was buried in the Church of the Transfiguration. His relics work miracles, and his memory is honored in the Church.
