Theodore Stratelates
The prophet Zacharias
The Martyrdom of Saints Pistis, Helpis, Agape and
their Mother Sophia
8 February
Theodore Stratelates
Theodore Stratelates was a Roman commander of a garrison in Galatia in the fourth century, and a secret Christian in his twenties.
Emperor Licinius invited Theodore to Nicomedia for a celebration in honor of his victories. Many golden idols were set about by Licinius for the pagan rites. Theodore had them broken, and the pieces were given to the poor. He then presented himself as a Christian and urged the emperor to accept the one God. Licinius had him executed. His relics that are now in Constantinople have produced miracles by his prayers. Theodore is known as the protector of soldiers.
Notes for Theodore Stratelates:
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Almighty God, who didst give thy servant Theodore boldness to confess the Name of our Savior Jesus Christ before the rulers of this world, and courage to die for this faith: Grant that we may always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in us, and to suffer gladly for the sake of the same our Lord Jesus Christ; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Zacharias
Five hundred years before it happened, the prophet Zacharias foretold of Holy Week. He told of the trimphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on a colt on Palm Sunday, of the thirty pieces of silver that Judas took to betray Jesus, and of the apostles leaving Jesus at the time of the crucifixion. He was known as the eleventh of the minor prophets.
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Almighty God, you have surrounded us with a great cloud of witnesses: Grant that we, encouraged by the good example of your servant Zacharias, may persevere in running the race that is set before us, until at last we may with him attain to your eternal joy; through Jesus Christ, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Martyrdom of Saints Pistis, Helpis, Agape and their Mother Sophia
St. Sophia was from a rich and noble family in Antioch. When her daughters were born, she called them Pistis, which means faith, Helpis, which means hope, and Agape, which means love. When they grew up, she went with them to Rome to teach them worship and to fear God.
Emperor Hadrianus (Hadrian) heard about them and summoned them before him. Their mother preached to them and gave them comfort, teaching them to be steadfast in the faith of the Lord Jesus Christ. She used to tell them, "Let not your determination grow faint or weak, and let not the glory of the world entice you, lest you lose the eternal glory. Be patient and persevere until you meet your Bridegroom, Christ, with Whom you will enter the eternal joy".
The oldest sister was twelve years old, the second war ten years old and the youngest was nine years old. When they appeared in the presence of the Emperor, he asked the oldest to worship idols, promising her that he would give her in marriage to one of the great men in his kingdom, and that he would decorate her with many medals. When she refused, he ordered her to be beaten with hammers, her breasts to be cut off, and that she be placed in a pot of boiling water. The Lord was with her, saved her and strengthened her. As everyone was astonished and glorified God, the Emperor commanded that she be beheaded.
He also beat the second daughter and he put her in the boiling water and then they cut her head. With the youngest, her mother feared that she would weaken, so she encouraged her. When the Emperor ordered that she be placed in the pressing wheels (Hinbazin), she cried to Christ, and He sent His angel and He broke it. The Emperor ordered that she be thrown into the fire. She prayed, made the sign of the cross on her face, then she threw herself into it. All those present saw three men in white robes surrounding her, and the fiery fire was as cold as dew. They marvelled and many believed in Christ and they were all beheaded. The Emperor ordered that her side be pierces with hot rods. The Lord strengthened her and she did not feel the pain. Finally, she was beheaded.
Their mother carried the bodies of her three daughters outside the city, sat down, wept and asked Christ to take her soul also. The Lord granted her wish and at once, her soul went up to her creator. Some believers came, carried the bodies and buried them with great honour.
Emperor Hadrian was struck with smallpox in his eyes, and he became blind. Worms grew in his body. He died the most dreadful death.
Notes for Saints Pistis, Helpis, Agape, and their Mother Sophia:
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- Emperor Hadrianus (Hadrian)
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Almighty and everlasting God, who didst enkindle the flame of thy love in the heart of thy holy martyrs Pistis, Helpis, and Agape: Grant to us, thy humble servants, a like faith and power of love, that we who rejoice in them triumph may profit by their example; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Glory be to God for ever and ever. Amen.