Hierarch
Theodore of Edessa
Saint Theodore, Bishop of Edessa
New Calendar July 9 Old Calendar July 22
Why they are a saint
Theodore of Edessa is remembered as Bishop of Edessa. Holy hierarchs are venerated because they guarded the faith and shepherded a local church. The Church numbers him among its holy bishops. The New Calendar feast is July 9; this memory is kept in the whole Orthodox Church.
Limited historical information is available about this saint.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Theodore of Edessa as a patron when they bear the name Theodore at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on July 9. As a bishop, he is also remembered by clergy and those who serve the Church.
Prayer
O holy Theodore of Edessa, 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.