What is Prince Theodore in Coptic?

By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-10

In the Coptic language, Prince Theodore is referred to as:

(Pi-agios Theodoros pi-stratelates)

To break down the terms used:

• Pi-agios:** "The Saint." is the native Coptic definite article ("the"), and is a Greek loanword for "saint."
• Theodoros:** The name Theodore, which is Greek in origin meaning "Gift of God."
• Pi-stratelates:** This is the title often used for "Prince" or "General." is a Greek loanword meaning "commander of the army" or "general."

In the Coptic tradition, he is also frequently called:

Pi-agios Theodoros pi-elthot**

Here, is the native Coptic title for "The Oriental" (the Easterner), distinguishing him from St. Theodore the Captain (St. Theodore Stratelates), though in many local traditions and hymns, their stories and titles are often honored with similar veneration.

When referring to him specifically as "Prince" in a royal sense (though in a military context "General" is more historically accurate for his rank), the term pi-archon* - the ruler/prince is sometimes used in a general sense within hymns.