St. Theodore

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the saints module is to teach seventh graders about the life of courageous saints. They will learn about these saints who offer us real life examples of how to be steadfast in the faith. The stories of these martyrs will help them realize how to be courageous and stand up for Christ. Additionally, this module will highlight icon analysis to introduce students to understanding the symbolism of details found in icons.

INTRODUCTION - 5 Minutes

During the first few centuries of Christianity, martyrdom was a fact of life for those who confessed their faith in Jesus Christ. Persecution raged over the whole Roman Empire; some were widespread while others were confined to local areas. Our church honors several saints who were also soldiers who stood up against the rulers and were martyred. Ask the students which saints they know about that were soldiers (St. George, St. Maurice, St. Mina, St. Philopater...).

Today we will learn about St. Theodore and his courage.

Show the students the two versions of St. Theodore's icon (see resources below). Have them compare them and the different features. While telling the story in the following sections, point out the parts of the icon relevant to the story.

HOLY SCRIPTURE - 5 Minutes

"The idols of the nations are silver and gold, The work of men's hands. They have mouths, but they do not speak; Eyes they have, but they do not see; They have ears, but they do not hear; Nor is there any breath in their mouths. Those who make them are like them; So is everyone who trusts in them." Psalm 135:15-18

LIFE OF THE SAINT - 20 Minutes

Tell the students the story of St. Theodore (copied in Appendix below)

Important parts to highlight:

How St. Theodore renounced idols
The relationship between St. Theodore and Archangel Michael
How St. Theodore drew others to Jesus (his mother, his fellow soldiers, those who lived in the village with the dragon)
We celebrate his feast day on Abib 20

DISCUSSION (Challenge) - 10 Minutes

Lessons to learn from this story:

Eternal life is more valuable than earthly power and fame. St. Theodore never let his fame or ranking come between him and his love for Our Lord.
The benefit of having an intercessor (referring to how Archangel Michael helped St. Theodore several times).
Having courage in ALL situations
- St. Theodore demonstrated courage consistently throughout his life, not only when he was persecuted. He stood up against idols, against dragons, and against the emperor.

Questions:

Can you name a time when you had to show courage?
St. Theodore renounced idols and knew they were powerless. What are some examples of idols in our modern society and what are some ways we can stand against them?

APPLICATION (Action) - 5 Minutes

Ask each student who their intercessor is. If they do not have one, ask them to pick a saint that they like (or their baptism saint name) to be their intercessor.

Challenge the students to ask their intercessor for help once a day during the week and ask them to report back the following class on what difference they felt that week with their intercessor helping them.

ACTIVITY - 10 minutes

Show the students icons St Theodore, St. George, and St. Philopater in the attached Activity below and have them compare them as well. Teach them how to differentiate between each saint using the key features in each.

PARENTS CORNER/HOMEWORK

Have your kids choose an icon from around the house or from online and make a list of key features/details they notice. Explain the symbolism of the details, or have them search online for the significance on Orthodox websites.

APPENDIX

Two icons of St. Theodore

Prince Theodore El Shatebi

(Also known as Theodore Stratelates, or Theodore of Heraclea, not to be confused with St. Theodore of Amasea)

During the reign of Emperor Lucinius, the ruler of the Eastern Provinces of the Roman Empire (313 A.D.), Prince Theodore El Shatebi was martyred. His courage and endurance prompted thousands of people to adopt Christianity.

Early Life and Parents

Prince Theodore was born in 281 in Achaea, a port city, on the Black Sea. Later, he lived in Heraclea, in Asia Minor. His father John was a Christian Egyptian from a city called Shateb in Upper Egypt.

The Father was a soldier in the Roman army. He went to Antioch to fight against the Persians. Because he was a man of courage, he was given the prince's daughter Oussawaia to be his wife. Oussawaia gave birth to a child and named him Theodore. In the meantime Oussawaia tried so hard to attract her husband John to Idol worshiping, but John had a strong faith in our Lord Jesus. Nevertheless, his wife used to derogate him by saying that her father, the prince, bought him as a slave and gave him a princess (herself) for a wife, and that he was not grateful.

John always felt humiliated and not welcome in his own house. He used to pray and ask for God's help and guidance.

In his sleep, he saw a vision. An angel appeared to him and said, "Do not be afraid John. Leave your pagan wife, and return to your country. Do not worry about your son Theodore. He will become a great Christian, and because of his strong faith, thousands will believe in the Lord Jesus."

Theodore chooses Christ over Idols

John left his house and went back to Egypt, but he never stopped praying for his son. On the other hand, Theodore was always sad when he learned that his father had been kicked out of the house because of his faith in our Lord Jesus. One day he told his mother that his father's God was crucified to save the world, but her idol was so weak that it could not even defend itself. Then he pushed the idol to the floor and the statue broke into pieces. A bad spirit came out of the idol in the form of a black giant and burned into smoke in front of them.

Theodore is Baptized

Prince Theodore was baptized by a priest called Oliganos at the age of fifteen. He was filled with the Holy Spirit, and because of his boldness and courage in the battles, he became very famous. When Diocletian heard about him, he appointed him a commander over five hundred knights, and called him Prince Theodore The Esphehlar (Brave Commander).

Theodore's Soldiers are Baptized

One day after Prince Theodore and his soldiers had fought a fierce battle in the desert, they ran out of water, and were about to die from thirst. Prince Theodore prayed earnestly and said, "My Lord Jesus who gave the Israelites water from the solid rock, please quench our thirst," And suddenly, a strong wind blew, and heavy rain started falling. After the soldiers drank as much as they wanted, they knelt down before the Prince, and said, "Blessed is your True God Jesus, who answered your prayer with great might." On that day they were all baptized in Jesus' name.

Theodore Visits His Father

Later, an angel of the Lord appeared to Theodore and told him to travel to Egypt to see his father. The prince was very happy to learn that his father was still alive. He took some of his faithful soldiers and sailed to Alexandria. Then they walked to Elbehna and went straight to the church of Shateb to ask about the prince's father, John.

At that time the father was old and was lying sick in bed. Nevertheless, it was a very emotional reunion. Five days later, the father died, and the prince buried him. Theodore told the people of that city that his wish was to be buried beside his father, because he knew that he would soon die as a martyr.

Prince Theodore left Egypt, and went back to Antioch. After his departure, the Egyptians built a pillar on the River Nile's bank. On top of the pillar they hung the picture of the saint, whom they loved.

Archangel Michael Appears to Theodore and He Becomes a Hero

Shortly after, Prince Theodore went to fight the Persians and with him there was another saint called Prince Theodore El Mishriky. In the battlefield, Archangel Michael appeared to encourage and support them. After they defeated the enemy, The Emperor proclaimed Prince Theodore El Shatebi to be the Hero of the Roman Empire, and appointed him a ruler of the city of Otichos.

Theodore Battles a Dragon

In Otichos, a demon possessed dragon (maybe a large crocodile or serpent) lived in the nearby mountains. The people feared that dragon very much to the point that they used to throw children to him to satisfy his appetite.

At that time, they took two children from a Christian widow to offer them as a sacrifice to the great dragon. The woman wept and prayed to God to save her children. Then, she heard a voice saying, "Don't be afraid. Theodore is capable of saving your children." After the saint heard the woman's story, he set out immediately to kill the dragon. On his horse, he fought the dragon for an hour. Then, Archangel Michael the Archangel appeared to him and helped him until the dragon was killed. The people of the city were very happy to get rid of the evil dragon, and many were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Theodore Faces the Emperor and is Tortured

The idols' priests complained to Emperor Lucinius, who ordered St. Theodore to renounce Christ, or face death. When the saint refused to offer sacrifices to the idols, he was tortured in many cruel ways, but Archangel Michael used to appear to comfort him, and remind him of Jesus' promise, and the eternal glory that is waiting for him.

Theodore is Martyred

At the end, the king ordered the soldiers to cut his head by the sword, and to burn the body. The saint prayed, "My Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ, accept my spirit, and protect my body from the fire, so that everyone may know that You are the real God. To You is the power and the glory forever."

Suddenly, the Lord of Glory Himself appeared to the Prince in a cloud. He told him, "My beloved Theodore, come to your eternal rest in the Kingdom of Heaven. You have been crowned with the great crown of martyrdom. The fire will not burn your body, for miracles and wonders will be performed through your blessed body, and also through the mentioning of your name.