Saint
Theodore and his son
Martyrs Theodore the Varangian, and his son John, of Kiev († 983)
New Calendar July 12 Old Calendar July 25
Why they are a saint
The Holy Martyrs Theodore the Varangian and his son John lived at Kiev in the tenth century, when the Varangians, ancestors of the present day Swedes and Norwegians took an active role in the governance and military life of Rus. The Orthodox Church commemorates Theodore and his son on July 12.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Theodore as a patron when they bear the name Theodore at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on July 12. As a martyr, he is also asked for courage and faithfulness under trial.
Prayer
O holy Theodore and his son, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.