Saint Theophilus was born in Constantinople during the reign of Emperor Constantine Porphyrogenitus and Saint Irene. During the Arab invasion, he was appointed commander of the Greek forces, demonstrating bravery and military skill by sinking numerous enemy ships. However, his fleet was surrounded, and he was taken captive. The Arab ruler, impressed by his beauty and courage, tried to persuade him to renounce the Christian faith, but Saint Theophilus remained steadfast. He reproached the barbarians for their cruelty and condemned their unbelief. After four years in prison, he was forced to participate in an Arab religious celebration, but refusing to do so, he was executed. Saint Theophilus accepted a martyr's death and ascended to the heavenly crown on the island of Cyprus in 784.
