Martyr
Martyrs Theodore of Perge, Philippia, and Companions
II в. (при имп. Антонине Пие)
Also known as: Феодор Памфилийский
Martyr Theodore of Perge, his mother Philippia, the pagan priest Dioscorus whom he converted, and soldiers Socrates and Dionysius — crucified and executed under Emperor Antoninus Pius after Theodore refused military conscription.
IMPORTANT CORRECTION: the previously listed date (April 19) is not confirmed by any source; several independent sources (azbyka.ru, days.pravoslavie.ru, patriarchia.ru) consistently give April 21/May 4 — the date has been corrected.
Saint Martyr Theodore, a young Christian of the city of Perge in Pamphylia, refused military conscription, declaring himself already "sealed" for Christ through baptism. Subjected to torture — scourging, being laid on a heated grate (miraculously extinguished by a spring), being dragged by wild donkeys — he remained unshaken.
His mother Philippia came to encourage her son during the trial and was seized and beheaded. The pagan priest Dioscorus, converted upon witnessing Theodore's miracles, was burned alive. Two Roman soldiers, Socrates and Dionysius, having seen a vision of a fiery chariot over Theodore, confessed Christ and were thrown into a furnace. Theodore himself was finally crucified.
Their feast is kept on April 21/May 4.