Called to mercy saint logo

Lives of the Saints:

How They Changed the World

Saint Theodore Stratelates (d. 319)

Saint Theodore Stratelates (d. 319)

Patron saint of soldiers, the recovery of lost items, and Brindisi, Italy

Feast day: February 7




Saint Theodore Stratelates was a Christian general during a time of persecution. When his faith was exposed, a military panel concluded that he was a respectable soldier who had simply made the mistake of becoming a Christian. They told him to relinquish his beliefs and released him. Immediately after being released, Theodore burned down a pagan temple. He was rearrested and, after refusing to deny his faith, tortured. In response to this cruel torture, Theodore recited the Psalms. Saint Theodore Stratelates died a martyr. (Image in public domain-100)