The wicked emperors Maximian and Maximin issued a decree to persecute Christians. Saint Theodore the Recruit, a novice in the Marmarite regiment, refused to offer sacrifices to idols, declaring his faith in Jesus Christ. He was tortured, but he bravely endured the suffering, relying on the Lord. Saint Theodore was imprisoned, where Christ appeared to him, strengthening his spirit. He did not take food, trusting in God's provision. After severe tortures, he was handed over to the fire, but he, making the sign of the cross, entered the flames and was surrounded by the Holy Spirit, who cooled him. Saint Theodore peacefully surrendered his soul to God.
The body of the saint was buried by a pious woman named Eusebia in Euchaitae, where she annually commemorated him. Saint Great Martyr Theodore died on February 17 around the year 306.
After his death, during the time of Julian the Apostate, the saint appeared to Archbishop Eudoxius, warning Christians against food defiled by idolatrous sacrifices. He pointed to kolivo as a substitute, which saved Christians from the treachery of the wicked king. Since then, the Church blesses kolivo on the first Saturday of Great Lent in memory of the miracle of Saint Theodore.
