St. Demetrios the Great Martyr

All the world has you, its mighty champion, fortifying us in times of danger, and defeating our foes, O Victorious One. So, as you humbled Lyaios’s arrogance by giving courage to Nestor in the stadium, thus, O holy Great-martyr Demetrios, to Christ our God pray fervently, beseeching Him to grant us His great mercy.
Apolytikion of St. Demetrios

Dearest Spiritual ‘Ohana,
I had the opportunity and utmost pleasure to venerate a holy relic of
St. Demetrios the Great Martyr, particularly his skull, on the eve of his Feast Day on October 25th, 2024, at a Church which bears his name in Thessaloniki, Greece, when I was on a pilgrimage. Three of us priests who were with pilgrims from California and Texas, sang the hymn of St. Demetrios as we came before his holy relic. What a “chicken skin” moment! To know his story and celebrate his Feast Day, over the years, made the moment all the more special.

I share a brief story of this magnificent Saint. St. Demetrios, also known as St. Demetrios of Thessalonica, is one of the most beloved saints of the Orthodox Christian Church. He lived during the late third and early fourth centuries in the city of Thessalonica (modern-day Thessaloniki, Greece) and served as a Roman military officer and governor.  Despite holding a high position in the Roman Empire, Demetrios openly professed his Christian faith at a time when Christians were being persecuted.

During the reign of Emperor Maximian, he was arrested and imprisoned for preaching Christianity.  While in prison, he encouraged and strengthened fellow believers in their faith. According to tradition, Demetrios blessed a young Christian named Nestor, who overcame the emperor's champion gladiator, Lyaios. Enraged by this event, Maximian ordered Demetrios to be executed. He was pierced with spears while in prison and received the crown of martyrdom around the year 306 AD.

God is glorious in His Saints, as they courageously kept and professed their faith, even amidst the threat of martyrdom. May St. Demetrios and all the Saints
intercede for us!

With Love in Christ,
+Fr. Alexander