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Theodoret of Antioch | |
|---|---|
| Priest and Hieromartyr | |
| Born | Antioch,Syria (modern-dayAntakya,Hatay,Turkey) |
| Died | October 22, 362 Antioch,Syria (now modern-dayAntakya,Hatay,Turkey) |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church Eastern Orthodox Church |
| Canonized | Pre-congregation |
| Majorshrine | Uzès Cathedral |
| Feast | October 22 October 23 |
Saint Theodoret of Antioch orSaint Theodoritus of Uzès (Greek:Θεοδώρητος, "God given"; died October 22, 362) was a Greek-speakingSyrianChristianpriest who died amartyr inAntioch during the reign of EmperorJulian the Apostate. His life is recorded only by apologetic works. His relics were later taken toUzès in the south of France and placed in thecathedral, which is dedicated to him.
EmperorJulian the Apostate, who was the nephew of the EmperorConstantine I, made his uncle Julian a count and governor of the East. Hearing that in the treasury of one of churches of Antioch there was much wealth, Count Julian was determined to seize it and published a proclamation banning the clergy. Theodoret, a priest, who was keeper of the sacred vessels, refused to abandon his flock and continued publicly to celebrate theDivine Liturgy. Count Julian ordered that he should be arrested and brought before him, with his hands bound behind his back. Count Julian accused him of having destroyed the statues of the gods in a previous reign. Theodoret retorted by reproaching the Count with hisapostasy. Count Julian now ordered that Theodoret be tortured. It was said that Theodoret spoke these words to Count Julian and to the magistrate: "O most wretched man," he said, "you know well that at the day of judgment the crucified God Whom you blaspheme will send you and the tyrant whom you serve to hell."[1] He was laterbeheaded on October 22, 362.[2]