St. Demetrius Great Martyr and Myrrh-gusher of Thessalonica

The Icon

Feast Day - October 26th.

St. Demetrius belongs to the number of warrior martyrs. He appears in the uniform of a soldier and is shown with armor. The Church does not consider the condition of soldier as incompatible with the quality of a Christian. It does not oppose a Christian embracing a military career to defend Christian values. "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13). St. Demetrius suffered martyrdom at the beginning of the 14th century during the persecution of Diocletian. He is shown full-face. He is shown in armor with a cloak thrown over his shoulder and armed with a lance and sword.

Troparion in tone 3

The world has found you to be a great defense against tribulation
and a vanquisher of heathens, O Passion-bearer.
As you bolstered the courage of Nestor,
who then humbled the arrogance of Lyaios in battle,
Holy Demetrius, entreat Christ God to grant us great mercy.

Kontakion in tone 2

God, who has given you invincible might,
has tinged the Church with streams of your blood, Demetrius!
He pre-serves your city from harm,
for you are its foundation!

For information concerning the life of St. Demetrius Great Martyr and Myrrh-gusher of Thessalonica please click here