St Theodoret of Antioch (+361–363)

Saint Theodoret of Antioch (+361–363) was a presbyter of the cathedral church of Antioch. This church had been built by Constantine the Great, Equal to the Apostles (commemorated 21 May), and his son Constantius. After the death of Constantius (337–361), Julian the Apostate (361–363), who had ascended the throne, decided to restore idol-worship throughout the Roman Empire. The emperor ordered the Christian churches to be closed and the church treasures to be handed over to the imperial treasury. Julian, the governor of Antioch, eagerly set about carrying out the order, and began his unworthy work with the cathedral churches. By his order Theodoret was seized on the charge of hiding the treasures, but the holy father denied this charge and fearlessly denounced Julian for his apostasy.

In spite of savage torture the holy martyr defended the faith of Christ to the last moment of his life, and foretold to Julian and to the emperor a sudden end for their blasphemy.

Astounded at the firmness and patience of the presbyter, the executioners believed in Christ, for which they were drowned in the sea, while Saint Theodoret was beheaded.

The defilement of holy things and the blasphemy did not go unpunished. The saint’s prophecy was fulfilled: the governor Julian died of a grievous illness, and the Emperor Julian was killed by the Persians in war.