Saint Theodore, Bishop of Edessa

Saint Theodore, Bishop of Edessa, was originally named Symeon. At the age of twenty, after losing his parents and distributing his wealth to the poor, he went to Jerusalem and became a monk.

He settled in the Lavra of Saint Savvas the Sanctified. After twelve years of monastic obedience and twenty-four years of hesychastic life, he was appointed Bishop of Edessa. At his ordination, a radiant white dove descended from heaven and stood above his head. Theodore became a model of faith, fought against heresies, and guided his flock with love.

He lived with great devotion to Christ until he reposed in peace, attaining the Kingdom of Heaven. His literary work remains a great legacy for all Christians throughout the world.