Saint · † c. 306
Demetrius of Thessalonica
Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica († c. 306)
New Calendar October 26 Old Calendar November 8
Why they are a saint
Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica († c. 306) is a commemoration on the Orthodox calendar kept on October 26, honoring an event in the Church's life rather than telling a life story. No further details are recorded here.
Life
Saint Demetrios was the son of a Roman proconsul in Thessaloniki. His parents were secret Christians, and he was baptized and raised in the faith in a hidden church in their home. After his father's death, the emperor Galerius Maximian appointed him to his father's post as proconsul of the Thessaloniki district, charging him to defend the city and to stamp out Christianity.
Instead, Demetrios openly confessed Christ and taught the faith to the people of the city, and he was imprisoned. A young Christian named Nestor came to him in prison for a blessing, then defeated the emperor's champion Lyaeos; Nestor was executed for it.
At dawn on October 26, 306, soldiers ran Demetrios through with lances in his underground prison. Christians secretly buried his body, and in the time of Saint Constantine a church was built over his grave. Later his incorrupt relics were uncovered there, and since the seventh century a fragrant myrrh has flowed from them, which is why he is called the Myrrh-gusher.
Sources: OCA Lives of the Saints. Retold in our own words.
Traditional patronage
Russian soldiers long believed they were under his special protection. His icons show his prayer for the salvation of the people of Thessaloniki.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Demetrius of Thessalonica as a patron when they bear the name Great at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on October 26. As a martyr, he is also asked for courage and faithfulness under trial.
Prayer
O holy Demetrius of Thessalonica, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.