The Holy Martyr Theophilus The New
Commemorated January 30
The Holy Martyr Theophilus the New was born and raised in Constantinople. He was a commander of the Greek armies and a senator. During a time of war with enemies of the Byzantine Empire, St Theophilus was taken captive. The Arabs demanded he renounce Christ, but he remained faithful to Orthodoxy. St Theophilus was imprisoned on Cyprus, where he spent four years, after which he was beheaded in the year 784.
Troparion
Thy martyr, O Lord, Theophilus, through his suffering, an incorruptible crown did obtain from Thee, our God; for, rejoicing in Thy strength, he laid low his tormentors and did beat off impotent affronts of the demons also; at his intercessions save our souls.
Kontakion
Thou hast appeared as a bright star, uninviting for the world, but a sun announcing Christ with thy rays, O martyr Theophilus; all the enchantment hast thou extinguished and grantest unto us light, supplicating incessantly for us all.
Source: Crkveni Kalendar
