Icon "Saint Theodore Stratelates"

The icon shows a full-length image of the Holy Great Martyr Theodore Stratelates, dressed in a green tunic and armor with a red cloak, black boots on his feet; in his left hand he holds an eight-pointed cross, in his right a palm branch; above his head is a round halo and the inscription "Saint Theodore Stratelates." He stands in a hall between columns decorated with a gathered dark-green curtain. Above the saint's figure is the Church Slavonic inscription "Saint Theodore Stratelates." The icon is painted mostly in dark tones, except for the plain light-colored wall against which the saint is depicted.

The icon is adorned and protected by a solid metal riza with openings for the "flesh" areas (face and hands). The Great Martyr's halo is applied metalwork, with rays. The architectural background on the riza broadly follows the image on the panel, but is rendered in a lighter, more refined manner influenced by "Ukrainian Baroque." Above the saint's head is the Church Slavonic inscription "Saint Theodore Stratelates." The icon's frame is worked with shells and acanthus leaves in a winding floral ornament.

The icon was seized at the Chop customs post. It entered the museum by decision of the State Customs Committee of Ukraine and the National Committee for the Return of Cultural Property to Ukraine under the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine in 1995.

Legend: Saint Theodore came from the city of Euchaita and served as a military commander (from the Greek "stratelates") in the city of Heraclea. He led a pious life and treated the townspeople justly, which encouraged pagans to accept Christianity. When Licinius, co-ruler with Constantine, learned of this, he came to Heraclea and forced Theodore to worship idols. When Saint Theodore refused, he was tortured, but an angel healed his wounds each time. Seeing this miracle of God, many pagans came to believe in the Lord. Learning of this, Licinius ordered Saint Theodore beheaded, and he was executed in 319.

Theodore Stratelates is regarded as the patron of soldiers and of those who defend others. He is prayed to for courage, steadfastness and endurance for soldiers, as well as for healing from wounds, deliverance from captivity, and protection from the enemy. In folk custom, an icon of Theodore Stratelates was often placed by a well, so that the saint would watch over the water-spirit and protect people from unclean forces.