Saint Blessed Prince Theodore of Smolensk and Yaroslavl, nicknamed the Black, was born during the years of the Mongol invasion, around 1237–1239. At Baptism, he was named after Saint Great Martyr Theodore Stratilates. In 1239, when through the prayers of the Most Holy Theotokos, the holy warrior-martyr Mercurius delivered Smolensk from the captivity of Batu, young Theodore was not in the city. In 1240, his father, Prince Rostislav, passed away. Young Theodore spent his childhood in Mozhaisk, learning Sacred Scripture and the art of warfare.
In 1260, the holy prince married Maria Vasilievna, the daughter of Saint Prince Vasily of Yaroslavl, and became the Prince of Yaroslavl. They had a son, Michael, but soon the holy Theodore became a widower. In 1277, he participated in a campaign in the Ossetian land, where the allied forces achieved victory.
Saint Theodore, having gained the favor of Khan Mengu-Temir, spent three years in the Horde, where he received the first khan's decree on ecclesiastical immunity. The Khan commanded that his wife, the princess Anna, be baptized. They had sons – Saint David and Saint Constantine. Saint Theodore used his influence to strengthen the Orthodox faith among the Tatars.
In 1290, upon hearing of the death of his son Michael, the Khan released Saint Theodore to return to Rus. Upon returning to Yaroslavl, he took care of strengthening the city and principality. In 1296, he participated in the Vladimir assembly of princes, where he contributed to the establishment of peace. In 1297, Saint Theodore marched to Smolensk but was unable to capture the city.
The holy prince died on September 18, 1299, after being tonsured into monasticism. His appearance at death was unusual, and he asked for forgiveness from all. After the death of Saint Theodore, his son David ruled. The veneration of the holy prince began shortly after his death, and in 1463, his relics were discovered.
