SAINT THEODORE GRAPTUS. — Born in the second half of the 8th century, died c. 841-44.
A native of Syria, he became a monk in the monastery of St Sabas near Jerusalem; under Emperor Leo V (813-20) he was exiled for his fidelity to the veneration of sacred images. Emperors Michael II (820-29) and Theophilus (829-42) also treated him harshly for iconoclastic reasons. Under Theophilus, c. 833, scathing iambic verses were branded with fire upon his forehead, whence posterity bestowed upon him the surname Graptus. After this cruel act he was sent into exile and died at Apamea in Syria.
A letter of his to Bishop John of Cyzicus is preserved. Greek biographies of him and of his brother THEOPHANES also exist (PG 116, 632-84). T. is venerated as a saint and his feast is celebrated on 28 Dec.