From a young age Saint Theophilus had the desire to be a monk and lead an ascetic life. When he was only 13, he left his home in secret and went to live at a monastery where his elder, Saint Stephen, guided him spiritually. Three years later he was officially tonsured as a monk. Around this time, his parents also discovered his whereabouts and longed for him to be closer to home. They asked the monastery where he was if it was possible to build a new monastery closer to their home. Unable to answer, the Geronda told his parents that he would have all his monks fast and pray to see if this was in accordance with God’s Will.
After three days, a voice was heard in the church saying the new monastery had God’s blessing.
Because this was the time of iconoclasm led by the Emperor Leo the Isaurian, the heavy controversy against icons led to many tortures for Theophilus due to his open stance for the icons. The saint was beaten and paraded through the city tied up and helpless. Then he was given to an officer, Hypatius, who attempted to turn Theophilus from the blessed icons. The Saint did not budge and through his Godly grace, even turned Hypatius from his evil ways and led him to honor the icons also.
Because Hypatius had power, he was able to set the Saint free after speaking with the emperor. Theophilus was able to go back to his monastery when he fell asleep with peace and thanks unto the Lord.