St Theodore the Trichinas
Commemorated April 20
St Theodore Trichinas was born in Constantinople, the son of wealthy and pious parents. From childhood St Theodore was inclined toward monasticism, so he left his home, family, and former life in order to enter a monastery in Thrace. There he began his arduous ascetic struggles. He dressed in a hair-shirt, from which he derived the name "Trichinas", (or Hair-Shirt Wearer"). He even slept on a stone in order avoid bodily comfort, and to prevent himself from sleeping too much.
His life was adorned with miracles, and he had the power to heal the sick. He reposed at the end of the fourth century, or the beginning of the fifth century. A healing myrrh flows from his relics.
The name of St Theodore Trichinas is one of the most revered in the history of Orthodox monasticism. St Joseph the Hymnographer (commemorated April 4) has composed a Canon to the saint.
Dismissal Hymn (Plagal of the Fourth Tone)
The image of God, was faithfully preserved in you, O Father. For you took up the Cross and followed Christ. By Your actions you taught us to look beyond the flesh for it passes, rather to be concerned about the soul which is immortal. Hence, O Holy Theodore, your soul rejoices with the angels.
Kontakion (Third Tone)
As your fiery chariot, you ascended on the virtues, O God-bearer, mounting up to the dwellings of Heaven; and you were an Angel living on earth among men, and a man dancing for joy with the holy Angels. Hence, O Theodore, you have proved a godly vessel of awesome wonders and signs.