The Holy Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessaloniki is revered in the Orthodox world on a par with St. George the Victorious, he is one of the most beloved warrior saints in Rus'. In Greece, St. Demetrius is considered the patron saint of Thessalonica (Thessalonica). He is often called the Myrrh-Streamer or Myrrh-Streamer (ὁ μυροβλύτης / μυροβλήτης), because his relics abundantly exuded myrrh.
Hagiographic texts often call St. Demetrius the Victorious, this is due to the fact that most of the miracles he performed were interventions in the course of military operations on the side of the Orthodox army. His memory day is celebrated by the Church on November 8 (October 26, old style).
Troparion, voice 3*
Audio:
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Great will you find in troubles/ the champion of the universe, O passion-bearer,/ the conquering tongues./ Just as you brought down Lieva’s pride,/ and you boldly created Nestor for the feat,/ so , Saint Demetrius, / pray to Christ God // to grant us great mercy.
Translation: In you, passion-bearer, the universe has found a great defender in troubles, a conqueror of the pagans. And just as you overthrew the pride of Leah, inspiring Nestor to fight, so, Saint Demetrius, pray to Christ God that He will grant us great mercy.
Life of Dmitry Solunsky
The Holy Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica was born into a wealthy family during a time of open persecution of Christians. His father was the Roman proconsul in Thessaloniki (now Thessaloniki) and by the nature of his service he was simply obliged to take part in the persecution of those who believed in Christ. But both he and his wife secretly professed Christianity. Their son Saint Demetrius was baptized in a little-known house church, and was raised in Christianity from childhood.
After the death of his father, he was summoned to the Emperor Galerius Maximian (beginning of his reign in 305), who talked with him and realized that the young man was smart and capable, and could replace his father as proconsul.
Having received a high position, Saint Demetrius in Thessalonica began to openly preach the Lord Jesus Christ. This was a courageous act of the saint, because the main task that the emperor entrusted to him was precisely the extermination of Christians and the defense of the city from barbarians, the bulk of whom were our ancestors - the Slavs. Contrary to the will of Maximian, Dmitry began to eradicate paganism and preached the teachings of Christ, teaching parishioners the basics of faith.
Once upon a time, it was in this place that the Apostle Paul created the first Christian community, and Saint Demetrius became his ardent follower and successor.
After some time, the emperor was informed about Dmitry, he was furious. Then his army was returning home from a military campaign, and he decided to change the return route and march through Thessalonica with fire, destroying Thessaloniki Christians.
Having received news of the emperor's intentions, Saint Demetrius prepared for inevitable death for the faith. He ordered his assistant to distribute the money received from the sale of the estate to the poor, and he himself began to pray to the Lord God. When the ruler was in the city, Dmitry fearlessly appeared before him and openly, to Maximian’s eyes, declared himself a Christian. In prison, a heavenly Angel descended upon Dmitry, who gave him strength in confronting fear.
And Maximian at this time enjoyed the then fashionable gladiator fights. He took with him everywhere his beloved invincible gladiator Leah, originally from Germany, who again amused the emperor by destroying captured Christians in the arena one after another.
Before the battle, one Christian named Nestor was able to visit his holy spiritual mentor, who blessed him for victory in the upcoming battle. With the help of God and with the blessing of Saint Demetrius of Thessalonica, the cruel German was defeated by the young man. The emperor was angry because of the death of his favorite toy, the gladiator. Saint Nestor was executed and accepted the crown of martyrdom.
The emperor learned that Demetrius had blessed Nestor for the duel, and gave the order to destroy the saint.
On October 26 (old style), 306, his order was carried out, and the saint was killed with spears. His faithful assistant Lupp soaked a towel in the blood of Saint Demetrius and began to heal sick people with it and other things blessed by the holy blood of the martyr. By order of Maximian, Lupp was captured and also suffered martyrdom for his faith.
The Thessalonica Christians discovered the body of Saint Demetrius of Thessalonica, which the executioners threw out to be devoured by predators and buried it.
Prayer
Holy and glorious Great Martyr of Christ Demetrius, quick helper and warm intercessor of those who flow to you with faith! Standing boldly before the Heavenly King, ask Him for forgiveness of our sins, so that we may be delivered from the all-destructive plague, cowardice, flood, fire, sword and eternal punishment. Pray for His goodness to protect this city (this abode) and every Christian country. Ask the King of those who reign for our entire empire for peace, silence, firmness in faith and advancement in piety; For us, who honor your honorable memory, ask for grace-filled strengthening for good deeds, so that what is pleasing to our Lord Christ God, who works here, we may be honored through your prayers to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven glorify Him here and there, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.
Saint Dmitry of Thessaloniki: what helps
If your faith has weakened, you are overcome by doubts, you do not know where to look for support - turning to the icon of the Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessaloniki helps in resolving these issues.
Saint Demetrius was nicknamed the Myrrh-Streamer, because after his death his relics exuded so much myrrh that they had to put up large stone containers to collect it. They are still kept in the temple. The collected myrrh had healing powers and was distributed to sick people. The glorification of Saint Demetrius was so strong that not only Christians, but also Muslims came for the myrrh, who also considered the myrrh to be a healing remedy.
How does the saint help? So, they pray to Saint Demetrius of Thessalonica that:
- heal from various diseases, and primarily from eye diseases;
- to ease the hardships of military service, since he is considered the patron saint of all soldiers - both the military themselves and their relatives offer prayers to him;
- gain courage in the face of serious problems.
In addition, prayer in front of the icon of the holy martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica helps during the advance of invaders who violated the borders of the Motherland, as well as to preserve peace for those who were not affected by the war.
Canon
Canon to the Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessaloniki Point 4
Song 1
Irmos: The ancient marching Israel, the cruciform hand of Moses Amalek, with wet feet conquered power in the desert, the ancient marching Israel.
Bound by the crown of divine torment, rejoice with Bose, we shine with opacity and illumination, we fulfill the great martyr, the most wonderful.
As a witness of the Truth, and also climbing to the roof, blessed, patiently; He showed steadfast resistance to the tormentor that the Lord is kind to you.
You cast down upon the earth the malice of the conqueror, Demetrius, killing with your copy the martyr with divine kindness, greater than reason by strength, for this, blessed ones, we strengthen.
Theotokos: Without a mother, like God first, a hedgehog for us, without a mother from You, Mother of God, who sings everything, the flesh is welcomed in unity, even more than words and reason.
Song 3
Irmos: Your Church, Christ, rejoices in You, they call: You are my strength, Lord, refuge and confirmation.
Consider your commandment as nothing to the tormentors; The Word of God is more passionate than anyone else, you predicted.
You were the holy priest of torment in the tabernacle, shining with Divine Light, the passionate martyr Demetrius.
The source of healing is a sacred and wonderful source, your city and your treasure have been purchased without apology, and you will be enriched with all kinds of joy.
Our Lady: Guarindo, the image of the fallen earth, the Most Pure One, will be clothed with this You, as the Lover of Mankind.
Sedalen, voice 4
About the good sufferer and warrior, Christ, who rules over all, we exclaim in the psalm: rejoice, adorn and depict martyrs; Rejoice, Bright Church of stars and walls, and refuge of those who come running to you, glorious Great Martyr Demetrius, save all who sing the song from all other people’s evil and anger.
Song 4
Irmos: You have risen, having seen the Church on the Cross, the just Sun, a hundred in its rank, a worthy cry: glory to Your power, Lord.
Overcoming the lies of evil, the Most High God, seeing the Word, crowning you with glory, Demetrius, singing: glory to your power, Lord.
Having awakened the victory of flattery, You received the victorious crown of righteousness, Demetrius, calling on your Creator: glory to Your power, O Lord.
We guide you with a life-giving hand, you have reached the most peaceful harbor, where now, exultingly, call, Demetrius: glory to your strength, Lord.
Our Lady: As the most sacred beings of all, Our Lady was honored to be One; by giving birth to her, you illuminated the world with the grace of the knowledge of God.
Song 5
Irmos: You, Lord, my light has come into the world, the Holy Light, turned from dark ignorance by faith praising You.
The fire of divine love in the hearts of the hospitable, the extinguished fire of idolism without God, the glorious Demetrius.
Deliver us from trouble, Demetrius, covering those who praise you with your prayers of faith and love.
By faith in your diligently flowing temple, Demetrius, the ailments and passions of those strangled will soon be released.
Mother of God: The Word of God, Consubstantial with the Father, Yours, Mother of God, is greater than reason and words, Son, Consubstantial with You.
Song 6
Irmos: I devour You with the voice of praise, Lord, the Church calls upon Ty, cleanse from the demonic roof, for the sake of mercy, from your ribs with the exhaled Blood.
In accordance with the agreement, we sing of your glorious and bright memory, full of miracles, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit and Honesty, all blessed.
Solve my prisoners of sins with your prayers, because Imash's insolence towards the Lord is invincible and awakens refuge and protection, Demetrius.
Mother of God: You, too, will find among the thorns the purest hair and a special color, O Mother of God! The bridegroom lived in your womb.
Kondak, 2
With your blood, Demetrius, God stained the Church, giving you an invincible fortress and keeping your city unharmed; There is also a statement.
Ikos
We all remember this great one, united by faith, as the armorer and martyr of Christ, Demetrius, in his songs and songs, crying out to the Lord and Creator of the universe: save us from cowardice and want, man who loves man, through the prayers of the Mother of God and all your holy martyrs . About you, we hope to get rid of troubles and pains, you are our affirmation.
Song 7
Irmos: In the cave of Abraham, the sons of the Persians with love for mercy, more than burned by flame, cry out: Blessed are You in the temple of Your glory, O Lord.
Adorned with divine glory and grace, martyr, passion-bearer, shine with light and enlighten those who call: blessed are You in the temple of Your glory, Lord.
Like a purple robe, adorned with your blood, having a cross instead of a scepter, magnificent; Reign with Christ now, martyr Demetrius, blessed is the call, in the temple of Your glory, Lord.
Theotokos: Glorious, Enlightened, Divine Mother, all who honor You, the True Mother of God, fence; Blessed are you among wives, impeccable lady.
Song 8
Irmos: Daniel stretched out his hand, the lions were wide open in the ditch, extinguished the power of the fire, girded the scribes of his youth with virtue, mercy, crying: bless all the works of the Lord God.
You magnificently darkened all the wrath of the enemy and in the struggle with the inalienable power of Christ you clothed yourself, and the victorious being, the martyr Demetrius, exclaimed: bless all the works of the Lord the Lord.
Having shown the welfare of the martyrs, the blessing of the martyrs, you have inherited the martyr; Washing ourselves in the holy bath, even the second one is not defiled by sinful accusations, we pierce with a spear and shout: bless all the works of the Lord the Lord.
Your miracles are numerous, even more than the gifts of reason, Christ will give them to you, He will show them to everyone, gloriously, and the grace of healings, even more than words, your grace, which preaches to us, crying: bless all the works of the Lord the Lord.
Theotokos: One in the whole Race, Virgin Mother and Pure Mother of God, we sing the song: This is the intercessor of our salvation, as the Liberator of the world, giving birth to the Word, calls to Him: bless all the works of the Lord the Lord.
Song 9
Irmos: A stone not hewn by hands from an irregular mountain, Thee, O Virgin, carve out the cornerstone, Christ, the totality of the divided nature; then have fun, Ty Mother of God, give more.
Break the shackles of sins of those who sing and suffer passions, lay passions on passions, destroy the voice of heresies and calm the storms with your prayers.
Direct your sacred flock, the crowned martyr Demetrius, to the right paths of the Kingdom of Heaven to feed the salvation in an eternal place.
May the crowns of glory and the Kingdom of Heaven receive those who sing this, please, the martyr Demetrius, the life-giving Lord and king of forces.
Mother of God: As the root, source and guilt of incorruptibility, we honor You, Virgin, in all fidelity, hoping, with praise; You exuded our hypostatic immortality.
Svetilen
You armed Nestor with a cross, for then you destroy the pride of Liev, Demetrius, at the feast, like Christ, you open your ribs with a copy, you hold your flock in the image.
Meaning of the icon
The icon of St. Demetrius of Thessalonica is considered one of the most powerful amulets for warriors in Christianity. On the 12th century icon, Dmitry of Thessalonica sits on a throne, holding a sword in his hands, which in the hands of Dmitry is more likely to mean the word of God, rather than the edged weapon of a warrior. Because he was killed by a brazen death, and not in a fair fight. At the top of the icon on the left, the Lord himself bowed to Saint Demetrius, and on the right is an angel bearing Demetrius the crown of a martyr. The image of the icon of Dmitry of Thessalonica was first brought by the Prince of Novgorod Vsevolod Yuryevich in 1197.
Warrior of Christ
Dmitry Solunsky was raised as a Christian from childhood; there was a secret church in the house. Thanks to his parents, the young man learned the truths of faith, which he followed in life. He lived in Thessaloniki (Thessaloniki), after the death of his father he was appointed to his position. At that time, Maximian ruled, who brutally persecuted Christians. The life icons show in detail the entire path of martyrdom, as well as posthumous miracles.
The saint had a presentiment of his death - even before the emperor arrived in the city, he distributed property to the poor. The ruler has already received a denunciation that his subordinate is spreading the Christian faith. The emperor arrested the proconsul, threw him into prison and decided to organize battles in which he also forced captured believers to participate.
But Dmitry of Thessalonica was pierced with spears in his prison. This moment is captured on the icon: several menacing-looking soldiers simultaneously thrust their weapons into the prisoner’s chest. He sits without thinking of resisting. It is clear that the saint is ready for his fate. An Angel descends from heaven carrying a crown - a sign that the martyr will be received with honor in heaven.
