Saint Theodore is a martyr and warrior saint venerated with the title Great-martyr in the Eastern Orthodox Church. According to tradition, he was born in the city of Euchantum, endowed with many talents. He was also handsome and known for his charity and bravery. Appointed military-commander ( stratelatos ) in the city of Heracleion, during the time the emperor Licinius (307 - 324), he began a fierce persecution of Christians. Theodoroi himself invited Licinius to Heracleium, having promised to offer a sacrifice to the pagan gods. He requested that all the gold and silver statues of the gods which they had in Heracleion be gathered up at his house. Theodore then smashed them into pieces which he then distributed to the poor. Theodore was arrested, subjected to torture, then crucified. The witness was his servant Varos (also venerated as a saint). In the morning the imperial soldiers found him alive and unharmed. Not wanting to flee a martyr's death, Theodore voluntarily gave himself over again into the hands of Licinius, and was beheaded by the sword. This occurred on 8 February 319, on a Saturday, at the third hour of the day.