Memorial Day of the Hieromartyr Theodotus, Bishop of Cyrene

On March 15, the Orthodox Church celebrates the Day of Remembrance of the Hieromartyr Fedot, who lived in the 3rd century AD. e. From a young age until his death, he served himself in the service of God, was subjected to inhuman torment for his faith, but did not change his views. Hieromartyr Fedot chose Cyrene on the island of Cyprus, where there were many pagans in those days, as the place of his service to God. Only through pious sermons did he manage to persuade many to undergo the rite of baptism. Emperor Licinius, who did not approve of the Christian religion, decided to deprive the former pagans of their preacher. Fedot was not afraid, he came to the emperor and told him to his face: “I am the one you are looking for. He came so that everyone would believe in One God.” Licinius was furious at his words and ordered the preacher to be hanged from a tree and beaten with rods. After such reprisals, Fedot was sent to prison. Exactly five days later he was brought to the emperor, who expected the bishop to renounce Christ, but he turned out to be unshakable. Licinius came up with new, sophisticated tortures: the unfortunate man was placed on a grate, and a fire was lit under it. After that, they drove nails into their feet and forced them to walk the streets. Even this could not break the Bishop of Cyrene. Many of those who witnessed those fanaticities, seeing the determination and steadfastness of the martyr, publicly repented and abandoned the worship of idols. Licinius ordered the poor bishop to be imprisoned, from where Constantine the Great soon freed him. The new emperor stopped the persecution of Christians and officially allowed the Christian religion. After his release, Fedot returned back to Cyrene, remained in the episcopal service for two years, after which he died. In Ancient Rus', the Day of the Hieromartyr Fedot was called Fedot the Wind-Bearer. On this day, the weather brought unexpected surprises - strong winds, frosts and snow drifts. On this day it was customary to fast; people sat down at the table only after sunset.