Venerable Theodore of Sykeon

Life

His birthplace was the village of Sykea in Galatia, on account of which he was called Sykeon. Already as a ten-year-old boy, Theodore devoted himself to arduous fasting and all-night prayer, following the example of a certain elder Stephen, who dwelt in his household. His mother Maria was a wealthy widow who intended to dedicate her son to a military career. But Saint George appeared to her in a dream and informed her that Theodore was destined to serve not the earthly king but the Heavenly King. Saint George also appeared to Theodore himself many times, whether to instruct him or to save him from some danger into which malicious demons had placed him. He also had several visions of the Most Holy Theotokos. Theodore's ascetical struggle surpassed in its severity the struggles of all the living ascetics of his time. He tormented his body with hunger and thirst, with iron chains, and with all-night standing at prayer. All this — only so that he might bind his soul with love for God and make it the complete master over the body. To Theodore's love, the merciful Lord responded with love. He bestowed upon him great power over evil spirits and over all the diseases and sufferings of men. He became renowned on all sides as a wonderworking healer. On account of his great purity and spirituality, he was consecrated — even against his will — as Bishop of Anastasiopolis. He spent eleven years in the episcopal office, and then entreated God to release him from that service, so that he might again devote himself to his beloved ascetical struggle. After that, he returned to his monastery, where in old age he surrendered his soul to the Lord, for Whose sake he had willingly suffered much. He reposed at the beginning of the reign of Emperor Heraclius, around the year 613.

From the Hymn of Praise

### THE MONK VITALIUS IN THE GREAT CITY