Hieromartyr 9th century
Theodore of Ajareli
9th century
Also known as Theodore the Priest of Ajara
A Georgian priest who misled invaders to save his land and was martyred for it.
Feast Day
January 26
Draft
Draft — pending review. Not yet verified for publication.
Commemorated as
The Holy Hieromartyr Theodore of Ajara
Life
Theodore of Ajareli was a Georgian priest venerated as a hieromartyr, commemorated on January 26. He is remembered for an act of self-sacrifice in the defense of his homeland during a time of invasion.
By the tradition received in the Georgian Church, when his land was threatened by invaders he deliberately misled them, leading them astray to save his people, and for this he was put to death. Little more is preserved of his life in the available accounts.
Notes
Georgian saint — clergy/source review advised.
Sources: OCA Synaxarion (oca.org), Jan 26