Feast Day: July 24th
The Life of Saint Theophilos: Theophilos could not be shaken from his faith in Christ. The usual procedure was followed by the authorities – first, tempt him with flattery and promises of reward, and then if that didn’t work, threaten him with harsh punishments and death. In response to all this, Theophilos would cry out: “I will never deny my Christ. Him I believe, and Him I Confess.”
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A Prayer
Apolytikion in the First Tone: You courageously Confessed God Incarnate, you spit upon the unbelieving teachings of the Hagarenes. You were burnt by them with fire, spreading fragrance through the earth, O thrice-Blessed Theophilos, the true friend of God. Rejoice therefore, Neomartyr of Christ. Rejoice, boast of the Church. Rejoice, offspring of Zakynthos and the ornament of Chios.
he was a seaman by profession.
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“I will never deny my Christ. Him I believe, and Him I Confess.”
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In their cruelty, they forced him to carry the wood to fuel it and to load it to such a height that he could be placed inside the heap…
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Entering the flames of his own will, Theophilos began to Chant in the midst of them: “O God of our fathers, Blessed are You..” Then, making the Sign of the Cross, he Prayed, and cried out: “Into Your hands, my Christ, I commend my Soul!”
An Icon
