Saint Theodore the Tyro, who is honored today, hailed from the village of Amaseia in the Black Sea region known as Humiala. He lived during the reigns of Emperors Maximian (286 – 305 AD), Galerius (305 – 311 AD), and Maximinus (305 – 312 AD).
He earned the title “The Tyro” as a young recruit in the Roman army, serving in the cohors Tyronum under Praepositus Brincus. When accused of being a Christian, he fearlessly affirmed his faith in Christ.
Despite Brincus’ initial reluctance to punish Saint Theodore, hoping he would renounce his faith, Theodore remained resolute. In a bold act of devotion, he destroyed the temple of Cybele and its idol, leading to his arrest and execution by being thrown into a furnace.
The Synaxis of the Holy Great Martyr Theodore the Tyro is observed on the Saturday of the First Week of Lent, marking his martyrdom in Phorakio or Sphorakio. On this day, he performed the miracle of kollyva, preventing Orthodox believers from consuming food tainted by idolatry.
In iconography, Saint Theodore of Tyre is depicted in various forms, often alone in military attire or confronting a snake-dragon alongside Saint Theodore Stratelates. He is consistently portrayed in military garb.
Source: Vema tis Ekklisias