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Saint Theodore the Black, Prince of Smolensk and Yaroslavl, and His Sons Saints David and Constantine · Saints and Scripture

• 0:00
  SPEAKER_00: Welcome to the Saints and Scripture Podcast.
• 0:03
  SPEAKER_00: Today is Saturday, september nineteenth, twenty twenty six.
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  SPEAKER_00: Today we remember Saint Theodore, Prince of Smolinsk and Yaroslavl, also known as Theodore the Black, along with his sons Saints David and Constantine.
• 0:18
  SPEAKER_00: Saint Theodore was born during a very difficult time for Rus when the Mongol invasion was devastating the land between 1237 and 1239.
• 0:28
  SPEAKER_00: At his baptism he was named after the great martyr Theodore Stratolitis, a saint especially honored by Russian warrior princes.
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  SPEAKER_00: As a child, Theodore was not in Smolinsk when the city was miraculously saved from capture by Batu Khan in 1239 through the prayers of the most holy Theotokos and the holy martyr Mercurius.
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  SPEAKER_00: His father died in 1240, and his elder brothers divided their father's lands, giving young Theodore the small holding of Mojisk.
• 0:59
  SPEAKER_00: There he grew up studying holy scripture, church services, and military science.
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  SPEAKER_00: In 1260, Theodore married Maria Vasilievna, daughter of Prince Basil of Yaroslavl, and became Prince of Yaroslavl.
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  SPEAKER_00: They had a son named Michael, but Maria died soon after.
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  SPEAKER_00: Theodore spent much time on military campaigns while his son was raised by his mother-in-law, Princess Xenia.
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  SPEAKER_00: In 1277, Theodore took part in a victorious campaign in the Osedian land alongside Russian and Tatar forces.
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  SPEAKER_00: This period saw improved relations between the Russian princes and the Khans of the Golden Horde.
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  SPEAKER_00: The Khans began to respect the Orthodox Church and sought alliances with the Russian princes.
• 1:48
  SPEAKER_00: Saint Theodore spent three years at the Horde, where he gained the favor of Khan Mengu Temir.
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  SPEAKER_00: The Khan exempted the church from taxes and held Theodore in high esteem, even wishing for him to marry his daughter.
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  SPEAKER_00: This marriage was significant because the princess was baptized into Orthodoxy before the wedding, showing respect for the faith.
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  SPEAKER_00: Theodore's sons David and Constantine were born at the Horde.
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  SPEAKER_00: Through his influence, Orthodoxy spread among the Tatars, and Russian culture reached far into Asia and Siberia.
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  SPEAKER_00: Orthodox icons and crosses have been found throughout the former territories of the Golden Horde, showing the growth of the faith.
• 2:34
  SPEAKER_00: In 1290, after hearing of his son Michael's death, Theodore returned to Yaroslavl.
• 2:40
  SPEAKER_00: He worked to strengthen his city and principality and supported Prince Andrew Alexandrovich, son of Saint Alexander Nevsky, in military campaigns and peace efforts.
• 2:52
  SPEAKER_00: In 1296, Theodore helped to prevent a bloody war between Russian princes through diplomacy.
• 2:59
  SPEAKER_00: In 1297, he attempted to reclaim Smolensk but was unsuccessful.
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  SPEAKER_00: In 1299, Saint Theodore became ill and asked to be tonsured as a monk at the Savior Transfiguration Monastery.
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  SPEAKER_00: Before his death, he publicly repented before the people, asking forgiveness from anyone he had wronged and blessing those who had wronged him.
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  SPEAKER_00: He died peacefully after receiving Holy Communion, his face shining with the light of holiness.
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  SPEAKER_00: After his death, his son David ruled Yaroslavl.
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  SPEAKER_00: The Church began venerating Saint Theodore soon after.
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  SPEAKER_00: His relics, along with those of his sons David and Constantine, were uncovered in 1463, and their appearance inspired many.
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  SPEAKER_00: Saint Theodore's life is remembered for his piety, military skill, and dedication to the Church and his people.
• 3:54
  SPEAKER_00: His story shows the strength of faith and the power of repentance, even in difficult times.
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  SPEAKER_00: Thank you for joining us today to learn about Saint Theodore the Black and his sons, Saints David and Constantine.
• 4:08
  SPEAKER_00: Lord, help us to follow the example of Saint Theodore, to be strong in faith and humble in heart.
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  SPEAKER_00: Grant us peace and the courage to seek forgiveness and to forgive others.
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  SPEAKER_00: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, one God.
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  SPEAKER_00: Amen.