February 8 in Christian History

In the Greek Orthodox tradition, February 8th is the traditional feast day for Theodore of Heraclea. His dramatic story is likely a mix of history and legend. Never the less, it is a story that has inspired Millions of Christians in the face of brutal persecution.

The legend takes place in Heraclea in the province of Asia Minor (modern day Turkey) during the early fourth century. According to the story, Theodore was a warrior who was appointed commander of Heraclea for his valour in combat. While he had gained public approval, Theodore was a Christian, which made him a target for his more powerful political opponents. Never the less, he was outspoken in his beliefs and his testimony and example contributed to the conversion of much of the city.

Needless to say, news of these events angered the Roman emperor Licinius, who was intent on stamping out the young movement in his empire. Licinius took it upon himself to travel to Heraclea and deal with Theodore personally. He planned to force Theodore to worship the Roman gods in public, thus drawing the Christians in the city to follow suit.

Theodore greeted the emperor with honour and agreed to offer sacrifices to the gods but made one request. He suggested that he take the emperor’s gold and silver idols back to his own house so that he could attend to them in private before worshiping them publicly the next morning. The emperor was pleased at this, and Theodore took the imperial idols home along with all the gold and silver idols in the city.

The next morning, the emperor was horrified to see a pauper walk past with the golden head of the god Artemis. During the night, Theodore had smashed all of the idols and gave the gold and silver to the poor. Furious, the emperor had Theodore brought before him in the public square. Theodore then proclaimed his faith in Christ before the whole city.

The emperor’s patience was at an end, and he had Theodore tortured and crucified. The next morning, on February 8th, 319, Theodore was found unharmed. The wounds and injuries he endured had been mysteriously healed. At the sight of this miracle, many more in the city turned to Christianity. Licinius’ attempts to silence Theodore and end Christianity in the city had accomplished the opposite result.

Enraged, the emperor had Theodore beheaded on the spot. Supposedly, many of the imperial guards who witnessed these events, were baptized in the nearby lake immediately after carrying out the sentence.

Verse of the day: 2 Timothy 1:8
So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. . . With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News.