Our Patron Saint
St. Demetrios
Saint Demetrios was born in the Greek city of Thessaloniki, in 270AD, from a wealthy family. His athleticism and heroism helped him become a high-ranking officer in the Roman Army. This is why Byzantine icons depict him as a soldier. He served during the reign of the emperor Maximiam
St. Demetrios considered himself a soldier of Christ first, and a soldier of Rome second. Even in a culture where Christians faced great persecution, he zealously preached the Gospel and made many converts. He was captured by the pagans and imprisoned in an old Roman bath. In spite of this, he still remained faithful to Christ and preached the gospel.
St. Nestor
While imprisoned, he was visited by a convert, named Nestor, who was about to fight a fierce Roman gladiator, Lyaeus (Leo). Lyaeus was a friend of Maximian and a formidable fighter. Nestor decided it would be wise to ask for the blessing of Demetrios before the fight. Receiving the blessing and sealing himself with the sign of the Cross, he entered the stadium, and prayed, “O God of Demetrios, help me!” Against all odds, Nestor fought Lyaios and killed him! The emperor was so humiliated and enraged at losing his best gladiator, that he commanded that both Nestor and Demetrios be executed.
Demetrios was martyred on October 26, 306AD and buried in Thessaloniki, side-by-side with Nestor. A beautiful scent emanated from his tomb, and so he has been named Μυροβλήτης (Myrovlitis) or “The Myrrh Streamer”. Thessaloniki claims St. Demetrios as its patron saint, not only because he was born and died there, but also because it is believed that his intervention had saved the city against invasion. Even the liberation of Thessaloniki during the Balkan wars of 1912 coincides with his feast day on October 26th.
Apolytikion of Demetrios
All the world has you, its mighty champion, fortifying us in times of danger, and defeating our foes, O Victorious One.
For as you humbled Lyaios’ arrogance by giving courage to Nestor in the stadium, thus O holy Great Martyr Demetrios, to Christ our God pray fervently, beseeching Him to may grant us His great mercy.
Kontakion of Demetrios
God, who gave you invincible power and with care kept your city invulnerable, royally clothed the Church in purple with the streams of your blood, for you are her strength, O Demetrios.