The Blessed Prince Theodore of Novgorod, the elder brother of Saint Alexander Nevsky, was born in 1218. His public life began at an early age. In 1229, he remained in Novgorod as his father Yaroslav Vsevolodovich’s representative. In 1230, during a period of famine and plague, Yaroslav returned to support his sons. However, just two weeks later, he departed once again, placing his full trust in them to govern the region. In 1232, at the age of fourteen, Theodore took part in a military campaign against the pagan princes of the Mordvins.
In 1233, at his father’s request, he agreed to marry Theodulia, the daughter of Saint Michael of Chernigov. However, he died unexpectedly before the marriage could take place.The young girl subsequently became a nun, known as Saint Euphrosyne of Suzdal.
Saint Theodore was buried at the Yuriev Monastery in Novgorod. In 1614, the Swedes plundered his tomb. However, his incorrupt body was recovered and placed in the church. Metropolitan Isidore of Novgorod transferred his relics to the Cathedral of Saint Sophia, where they were placed in the chapel dedicated to Saint John the Baptist.
The service in honour of the Blessed Prince Theodore was composed in 1787 by Metropolitan Gabriel Petrov.
