Venerable Theodore Trichinas "the Hair-Shirt Wearer" and Hermit Near Constantinople

Commemorated on April 20

Saint 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 (April 4) has composed a Canon to the saint.

Troparion - Tone 8

With streams of tears You watered the barren desert,
And with sighs from the depths of your soul You made it to bear fruit a hundredfold.
You were a beacon to the whole world, sending forth beams of miracles.
O Theodore, our father, entreat Christ God to save our souls.

Kontakion - Tone 4

You became most wondrous in life,
O wise Father Theodore,
Exchanging the royal treasures of this earth for a hairshirt,
Thereby receiving a heavenly garment.
Pray ever for us, O venerable one.

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