Great Martyr Demetrius was born in the city of Thessaloniki in Greece. His parents, secret Christians, baptized him and instructed him in the faith. His father, the Roman proconsul, died when Demetrius reached adulthood. Emperor Maximian Galerius, who ascended the throne in 305, appointed Demetrius in his father’s place as ruler and governor of the Thessalonian region. Demetrius's main duty was to defend his region from external enemies, but the emperor also demanded that he exterminate Christians. Demetrius instead began to eradicate pagan customs and convert pagans to the faith of Christ.

Of course, the emperor was soon informed that Proconsul Demetrius was a Christian. Returning from a campaign against the Sarmatians (tribes inhabiting the Black Sea steppes), Maximian stopped in Thessaloniki. Preparing for death, Demetrius distributed his property to the poor, and he devoted himself to prayer and fasting. The emperor imprisoned the proconsul and began to entertain himself and the inhabitants of Thessaloniki with gladiatorial battles in the circus. Christians were searched for and dragged into the arena. The perky Leah, famous among gladiators, easily defeated meek Christians in battle and, with the rejoicing of the brutal crowd, threw them onto the spears of the soldiers.

The young Christian Nestor visited Demetrius in prison, and Demetrius blessed him to fight Leah. Strengthened by God, Nestor defeated the proud gladiator and threw him onto the spears of the soldiers. Nestor should have been awarded as a winner, but instead he was executed as a Christian.

By order of the emperor, the prison guards pierced Demetrius with spears in 306. The body of the Great Martyr Demetrius was thrown out to be devoured by wild beasts, but the Thessalonians secretly betrayed him to the ground. Dimitri's servant Lupp took the bloody robe and the martyr's ring and began to heal the sick with them. He was also executed. During the reign of Emperor Constantine the Great (324-337), a temple was erected over the grave of the Great Martyr Demetrius, and a hundred years later his incorruptible relics were discovered. At the tomb of the Great Martyr Demetrius, miracles and healings were performed. During the reign of Emperor Mauritius, the Avars living on the Don besieged the city of Thessaloniki. Saint Demetrius appeared on the city wall, and the 100,000-strong army of the besiegers fled. Another time the saint saved the city from famine. The life of Saint Demetrius tells that he freed prisoners from the yoke of infidels and helped them reach Thessaloniki.

From the 7th century, at the shrine of St. Demetrius, fragrant and miraculous myrrh began to flow, as contemporaries wrote about. In the 14th century, Demetrius Chrysologist wrote about it: myrrh “in its properties is not water, but it is thicker than it and does not resemble any of the substances known to us... It is more amazing than all the incense, not only artificial, but also naturally created by God.” For this reason, the Great Martyr Demetrius was called Myrrh-Streaming.

The Holy Great Martyr Demetrius, the son of noble and pious parents, came from the city of Thessaloniki, where his father was a governor. At that time, wicked kings launched a cruel persecution against Christians; Therefore, Father Demetrius, who secretly believed in our Lord Jesus Christ and fulfilled His commandments, did not dare to openly confess His Most Holy Name, fearing the terrible threats of the pagans.

Inside his chambers in the innermost room he had two holy icons, decorated with gold and stones; on one of them there was an image of our Lord Jesus Christ, and on the other - the Most Holy Mother of God; in front of these icons he lit candles and burned incense. In this secluded temple, he and his wife often offered prayers to the True God, living in the highest, His Only Begotten Son and Immaculate Lady. These pious spouses generously gave alms to the poor and never refused to people in need. Only one thing greatly saddened them: they did not have children. They earnestly asked the Lord to give them an heir, and after a while their desire was fulfilled.

The Almighty heeded their prayers and gave them a son, Saint Demetrius. The parents rejoiced greatly; they thanked the Lord greatly. All of Thessaloniki shared the joy of their governor, who arranged a meal for the whole city, especially for the poor.

When the boy grew up and could already comprehend the truth, his parents led him into the temple, where there were holy icons and, pointing to them, said:

– Here is the image of the One True God, who created heaven and earth, and this is the image of the Most Holy Theotokos.

They taught him the holy commandments of Christ, explained to him everything through which a person can know our Lord Jesus Christ, and showed him how vain and destructive faith in the bad pagan gods is.

From that time on, Demetrius, admonished both by the words of his parents, and especially instructed from above by the Holy Spirit, knew the truth: God’s grace had already rested on him; With all his soul he believed in the Lord and, worshiping the holy icons, kissed them with reverence.

Then Demetrius’s parents, calling a priest and some Christians known to them, baptized the youth in their secret temple in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy. Spirit.

Having received holy baptism, Demetrius learned the true faith, grew both in years and in mind, climbed higher and higher on the ladder of virtues - and the grace of God further enlightened and admonished him.

When Demetrius reached adulthood, his parents moved from this temporary life, teaching their son an example of a God-pleasing life and leaving him heir to the entire estate.

Meanwhile, Tsar Maximian, having learned about the death of the governor of Thessalonica, summoned his son, Saint Demetrius, to him. Noticing that he was intelligent and brave in battle, the king appointed him ruler of the entire Thessalonica region; entrusting him with this position, he said:

- Save your native city and cleanse it of wicked Christians, put to death everyone who calls on the name of the Crucified One.

Having accepted the royal appointment, Demetrius returned home and was greeted with honor by the residents of the city. For a long time he had wanted to establish the light of true faith in his hometown and was grieved when he saw that the inhabitants of Thessaloniki worshiped soulless idols. Now, upon arriving in the city, he immediately began to confess and glorify our Lord Jesus Christ in front of everyone; he taught everyone the commandments of Christ, converted the pagans to the holy faith and eradicated nasty polytheism; in a word, he was the second Apostle Paul for the Thessalonians. Rumors of this soon reached Maximian himself. The king, having learned that the ruler he had appointed, Demetrius, was a Christian and had already converted many to his faith, became very angry. Just at that very time, returning from the Sarmatian war, the king stopped in Thessaloniki. Even before Maximian arrived in the city, Demetrius entrusted to his faithful servant named Luppu all the property that he inherited from his parents, gold, silver, precious stones and clothes, and ordered all this to be distributed to the poor and needy.

“Divide this earthly wealth among them,” added the saint, “let us seek for ourselves heavenly wealth.”

And he himself began to pray and fast, thus preparing for the crown of martyrdom. The king immediately began to find out whether what he had heard about Demetrius was true? Fearlessly speaking before the king, Demetrius confessed himself to be a Christian and began to condemn pagan polytheism. The evil tormentor immediately ordered the confessor of the true faith to be imprisoned. Entering there, the saint prayed in the words of the prophet David: “ Hasten, O God, to deliver me, [hasten], O Lord, to help me"(Ps. 69:2). “For You are my hope, O Lord God, my hope from my youth. I was established on You from the womb; You brought me out of my mother's womb; My praise to you will never cease. My mouth rejoices when I sing to You, and so does my soul, which You have delivered; and my tongue will proclaim Your righteousness all day long” (Ps. 71:5, 6, 23, 24).

As in a bright palace, Demetrius sat in prison, praising and glorifying God. The devil, wanting to frighten him, turned into a scorpion and wanted to sting the saint’s leg. Having marked himself with the sign of the cross, the saint fearlessly stepped on the scorpion, pronouncing the words of David: “ you will step on the asp and basilisk; you will trample on the lion and the dragon" (Ps. 90:13).

While spending time in prison in this way, the saint was rewarded with a visit from an angel of God; in a bright light a heavenly messenger appeared before him with a beautiful heavenly crown and said:

- Peace be with you, sufferer of Christ, take courage and be strong! The saint answered:

– I rejoice in the Lord and rejoice in God my Savior! This appearance of the angel consoled and encouraged the holy sufferer; He wished even more strongly to seal with his blood the confession of the true faith of Christ.

Meanwhile, the king arranged games and began to amuse himself with spectacles. He had one outstanding fighter, a Vandal by birth, named Liy. Having ordered the construction of high scaffolds for him, Maximian watched with great pleasure how Leah fought with his opponents and, throwing them from a height onto spears, put them to a painful death. Among the spectators there was one young man - a Christian - named Nestor; bonds of spiritual friendship united him with Saint Demetrius, who was his mentor in the faith. Seeing that Leah was killing many and especially destroying Christians - the latter were forcibly forced into battle with Leah - this young man, perked up, wanted to fight with the royal fighter. But before entering into battle, he went to prison to Saint Demetrius. Here Nestor told him everything that Leah was doing, said that he wanted to fight this merciless destroyer of Christians and asked the saint for blessings and prayers. Marking him with the sign of the cross, Demetrius predicted to him:

– You will defeat Leah and endure torment for Christ!

Approaching the place of the spectacle, Nestor exclaimed loudly:

- God Dimitriev, help me in the fight against my opponent!

Then, having entered into battle with Liy, he overpowered the royal wrestler and threw him down from the platform onto sharp spears. The death of Leah greatly saddened the king; he immediately ordered Blessed Nestor to be put to death. But this could not console Maximian; all day and all night he regretted the death of Leah. Having learned that Nestor had entered into single combat with Leah on the advice and blessing of Demetrius, the king ordered the holy great martyr to be pierced with spears.

“Liy,” thought the lawless tormentor, “was thrown by the hand of Nestor onto the points of spears; whatever death he suffered, Saint Demetrius must also suffer the same death, let him die the same death. which also destroyed our beloved wrestler Leah.

But the insane tormentor was seduced, believing that the death of the righteous and the sinner was the same; he was mistaken in this, for the death of sinners is cruel, but the death of saints is honorable in the eyes of the Lord.

As soon as the morning of October 26 dawned, soldiers entered Demetrius’s prison; They found the holy man standing in prayer, and immediately rushed at him and pierced him with spears. Thus, this confessor of Christ betrayed his honest and holy soul into the hands of the Creator.

At night, Christians secretly took the body of the saint, dishonorably cast into the dust, and reverently buried it.

At the place of the blessed death of the holy great martyr was his faithful servant, the aforementioned Lupp; he reverently took his master's robe, sprinkled with his honest blood, in which he also dipped the ring. With this robe and ring he performed many miracles, healing all sorts of diseases and casting out evil spirits.

The rumor of such miracles spread throughout Thessaloniki, so that all the sick began to flock to Lupp. Having learned about this, Maximian ordered to take blessed Lupp and cut off his head. And so the good servant followed his master, Saint Demetrius, to the heavenly mansions.

When much time had passed and the persecution of Christians had ceased, a small temple was erected over the tomb of St. Demetrius; Many miracles were performed here, and many sick people received healing from their ailments. One Illyrian nobleman named Leonty fell into a serious, incurable illness. Hearing about the miracles of the holy passion-bearer, he turned with faith to the holy Great Martyr Demetrius. When he was brought into the temple and laid in the place where the relics of the holy great martyr were buried, he immediately received healing and stood up completely healthy, thanking God and glorifying His saint, Saint Demetrius.

Out of gratitude to the saint, Leonty wanted to build a great and beautiful church in honor of this glorious great martyr. The former small temple was dismantled, and when they began to dig a ditch for the foundation, the relics of the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius were found. completely intact and without any decay; fragrant myrrh flowed from them, so that the whole city was filled with fragrance.

Many people gathered for this spiritual celebration. With great reverence, the holy relics were taken from the ground, and countless sick people received healing through anointing with the flowing ointment. Leonty rejoiced not so much about his healing as about the discovery of the holy relics. He soon finished the work he had started and built a beautiful temple in the name of St. Demetrius on that place. Here, in an ark bound in gold and silver and decorated with precious stones, the honorable relics of the great martyr were placed. But Leonty’s concerns extended even further: he bought villages and vineyards and gave them to support the employees of this church. When the time came for him to return to his homeland, he decided to take with him some of the relics of the saint in order to build a church in his city in the name of Demetrius. But the saint, having appeared, forbade him to separate any part of the relics. Then Leonty took only the shroud stained with the blood of the saint and, putting it in the golden ark, went to his place in Illyria. During the journey from that shroud, many miracles happened through the prayers of the saint. Once, during his return, Leontius had to cross a river, which was heavily overflowing and raging menacingly; fear and horror gripped him, but suddenly Saint Demetrius appeared before him and said:

– Take the ark with the shroud in your hands and stop being afraid.

Leonty acted on the advice of the saint: he himself and those with him all crossed over safely. When he returned to his homeland, he first of all built a beautiful temple in the name of the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius. Invoking with faith the name of this great ascetic of Christ, Leonty, through the prayers of the saint, performed miracles. The ruler of Illyria was very sick, so that pus and scabs covered his entire body from head to toe. But Leonty saved the sick man from his serious illness by turning with prayer to Saint Demetrius; He also miraculously healed one man who was bleeding, and healed another who was furious; many other miracles happened there through the prayers of the saint. But there were especially many miracles in Thessaloniki, where the relics of this great martyr rested.

One day there was a fire in the church dedicated to the holy great martyr. The silver canopy over the relics of the saint of God was especially badly damaged: it melted from the fire. Archbishop Eusebius, who was at that time, was very concerned about making the canopy again. But he had too little silver. In this temple there was a silver throne, which remained completely undamaged during the fire. The archbishop planned to transfer this throne to the canopy of the saint’s tomb, but he had not yet informed anyone of his intention. At the same time, at this temple there was one pious presbyter named Demetrius. The Holy Great Martyr appeared to him and said:

- Go and tell the bishop of the city: do not dare to pour over the throne that is in my temple.

Demetrius immediately went to Eusebius and told him to abandon his intention. The archbishop was at first greatly amazed by the presbyter’s words, but then, believing that Demetrius could somehow find out his intention, he stopped marveling at this and even reprimanded the presbyter. A few days later, the archbishop already ordered the masters to appear before him. At this very time, Presbyter Demetrius came to Eusebius for the second time and said:

“The Holy Great Martyr again appeared to me, a sinner, in a dream and ordered me to tell you: for the sake of love for me, do not pour over the throne.”

The archbishop also sternly dismissed the presbyter, but, however, did not yet order the throne to be transfused. After some time, he again wanted to give up the throne, but Saint Demetrius, appearing to the same presbyter, said:

- Don’t be discouraged, I myself take care of my temple and city; leave me to take care of that myself.

Then the archbishop could no longer refrain from tears and said to everyone around him:

“Let’s wait a little, brothers, for the saint of Christ himself promised us his help.”

Before the archbishop had time to finish his speech, one Thessalonian citizen named Mina came and brought with him 75 pounds of silver.

“Often Saint Demetrius,” said Mina, “saved me from dangers and even saved me from death.” I have long wanted to make a donation to the temple of my gracious patron and wondrous intercessor. Now, since the morning, a voice has been urging me:

“Go and do what you’ve been meaning to do for a long time.” Giving the silver, Mina wished that this silver would be spent on the canopy for the tomb of the great martyr. After this, other citizens of Thessaloniki appeared and also brought silver. From the donations a beautiful canopy was made for the tomb of the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius.

During the reign of Emperor Mauritius, the Avars demanded a large tribute from the inhabitants of Byzantium, but Mauritius refused to fulfill their demand. Then they gathered a huge army, which consisted mainly of Slavs, and decided to take Thessaloniki, which was distinguished by its extensive trade and great wealth. Although Emperor Mauritius sent an army to this city, the ulcer that raged shortly before greatly reduced the number of Solunsky inhabitants, and the number of the enemy army was enormous: it extended to 100,000. Even 10 days before the arrival of the enemies, Saint Demetrius appeared to Archbishop Eusebius and said that the city is in dire danger. But the Solunians thought that the enemy army would not approach the city soon. Suddenly, contrary to expectation, the enemy appeared not far from the city walls. He could even have entered the city unhindered at night, but the mighty right hand of the Almighty, through the prayers of Saint Demetrius, miraculously stopped the terrible enemies not far from the city. The enemies mistook one of the fortified monasteries located outside the city for Thessaloniki itself and stood under it the whole night; In the morning they noticed their mistake and rushed towards the city itself. The enemy detachments immediately launched an attack, until then Saint Demetrius appeared on the city wall in front of everyone in the form of an armed warrior, and the first of the enemies who climbed the wall, he struck with a spear and threw him off the wall. The last one, falling, dragged the other attackers along with him. - horror then suddenly took possession of the enemies - they immediately retreated. But the siege was not over, it was just beginning. At the sight of many enemies, despair seized even the bravest. At first everyone thought that the death of the city was inevitable. But then, seeing the flight of the enemies and the protection of the wondrous intercessor, the residents took courage and began to hope that the defender of Thessaloniki, Saint Demetrius, would not leave his hometown and would not allow it to fall to the enemies. Meanwhile, the enemies began to besiege the city, moved their guns and began to shake the foundations of the city walls; clouds of arrows and stones fired from throwing weapons obscured the daylight - all hope remained for help from above, and crowds of people filled the temple in the name of St. Demetrius. At that time in the city there was one God-fearing and very virtuous man named Illustrius. Arriving at night at the church of the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius, in the church vestibule he fervently prayed to God and His glorious saint for the deliverance of the city from enemies, and suddenly he was honored to see a wondrous vision: two certain bright young men appeared before him, who looked like royal bodyguards - they were angels God's. The doors of the temple themselves opened before them, and they entered the church. Illustry followed them, wanting to see what would happen next. Entering, they said loudly:

-Where is the gentleman who lives here?

Then another young man appeared, looking like a servant, and asked them:

-What do you need it for?

“The Lord sent us to him,” they answered, “to tell him something.”

Pointing to the saint’s tomb, the young servant said:

- Here he is!

“Tell him about us,” they said.

Then the young man lifted the curtain, and from there Saint Demetrius came out to meet those who came; he looked the way he is depicted on icons; a bright light emanated from him, like the sun. From fear and the blinding brilliance of Illustration he could not look at the saint. The young men who arrived greeted Demetrius.

“May grace be with you,” answered the saint, “what prompted you to visit me?”

They answered him:

“The Lord sent us, commanding you to leave the city and go to Him, for He wants to deliver it into the hands of enemies.”

Hearing this, the saint bowed his head and remained silent, shedding bitter tears. And the young servant said to those who came:

“If I had known that your coming would not bring joy to my master, I would not have told him about you.”

Then the saint began to say:

– Is this what my Lord willed? Is this the will of the Lord of all, so that the city, redeemed with honest blood, should be delivered into the hands of enemies who do not know Him, do not believe in Him and do not honor His holy name?

To this those who came answered:

“If our Lord had not deigned this, He would not have sent us to you!”

Then Demetrius said:

- Go, brothers, tell my Master that His servant Demetrius says this:

- I know Your bounties, humane-loving Master Lord; even the iniquities of the whole world cannot surpass Your mercy; for the sake of sinners You shed Your holy blood, You laid down Your soul for us; now show Your mercy on this city and do not command me to leave it. You Yourself made me the guardian of this city; let me imitate You, my Master: let me lay down my soul for the inhabitants of this city, and if they are destined to perish, then I will perish along with them; Do not destroy, O Lord, the cities where everyone calls on Your holy name; Even if these people sinned, they still did not depart from You: after all, You are the God of the repentant.

The young men who came asked Demetrius:

– Is this how we should respond to the Lord who sent us?

“Yes, answer this way,” he said, “for I know that the Lord” is not completely angry, and is not forever indignant" (Ps. 102:9).

Having said this, the saint entered the tomb, and the sacred ark was closed; and the angels who talked with him became invisible. This is what Illustria was privileged to see in a wonderful and terrible vision. Finally, having come to his senses, he fell to the ground, thanked the saint for taking care of the city, and praised him for the fact that he begged the Vladyka not to betray the inhabitants of Thessaloniki into the hands of enemies. In the morning, Illustry told the citizens about everything he had seen and encouraged them to courageously fight the enemies. Having heard the story of Illustria, everyone with tears asked the Lord to send them mercy, and called on Saint Demetrius for help. Through the intercession of the saint, the city remained intact: soon the enemies retreated from the walls with great shame, not having the strength to take the city guarded by the glorious saint of God. On the seventh day of the siege, the enemies, for no apparent reason, fled in disarray, abandoning their tents and throwing weapons. The next day some of the enemies returned and said the following:

“From the very first day of the siege, we saw such a multitude of defenders among you that they far outnumbered our army. We thought that your army was hiding behind your walls. Yesterday it suddenly rushed towards us, and we ran.

Then the amazed citizens asked: “Who led the army?”

“We saw,” answered the returning enemies, “a fiery, shining man on a white horse in snow-white clothes.”

The citizens of Thessalonica, hearing this, understood who had put the enemies to flight. This is how Saint Demetrius defended his city.

Soon after the enemies retreated from Thessalonica, another disaster struck this city. The enemies, in great numbers, devastated all the grain reserves during the siege, so that a great famine occurred in the city itself: people began to die in large numbers from lack of food. Seeing that his hometown was dying of hunger, the saint appeared several times on ships sailing at sea, walked around the piers and many islands, commanding ships everywhere with wheat to sail to Thessaloniki, and thus saved his city from hunger.

When the pious Tsar Justinian built a beautiful and magnificent temple in Constantinople in the name of the Wisdom of God, he sent honest men to Thessaloniki to bring from there some of the relics of the saint for the decoration and consecration of the newly erected temple. Arriving in Thessaloniki, the messengers approached the venerable ark, where the relics of the great martyr rested, in order to fulfill the royal command; suddenly a column of flame burst out of the ark, showering everyone with a whole sheaf of sparks, and a voice was heard from the fire:

- Stop and don’t dare.

Overcome with fear, those present fell to the ground; Then the messengers, taking only a few lands from that place, returned to the king and told him about everything that had happened to them. Everyone who listened to their story was amazed. The messengers handed over one half of the taken land to the king, and put the other half in the church treasury.

The duty of a certain young man, Onesiphorus, was to light candles and arrange lamps in the church of St. Demetrius. Inspired by the devil, this young man began to steal candles and secretly sold them, and appropriated the money proceeds from such a sale for himself. Saint Demetrius did not tolerate such an atrocity committed in the temple dedicated to him: he appeared in a dream to Onesiphorus and with the greatest condescension began to denounce him:

- Brother Onesiphorus, I hate that you are stealing candles; through this you cause loss to those who bring them; no less you harm yourself; remember that people who act like you will face condemnation; leave this evil deed and repent.

Onesiphorus, waking up, felt shame and fear; but after some time he forgot the saint’s command and again began to steal candles, as he had done before - punishment soon befell him. One day, a certain pious man, getting up early in the morning, came to the church of St. Demetrius and brought several large candles. He lit them, placed them at the tomb of the great martyr and, having prayed, left the temple. Approaching the candles, Onesiphorus extended his hand to take them, when suddenly a voice was heard from the saint’s tomb:

- You're doing the same thing again!

Struck by this voice, like thunder, Onesiphorus immediately collapsed to the ground and lay like a dead man until one of the clerics entered. The newcomer raised the young man, overcome with horror. As soon as Onesiphorus came to his senses, he told everything: his sinful passion, and the first appearance of the saint to him in a dream, and the second denunciation of Demetrius. Then everyone, hearing such a story, came into great horror.

Many prisoners were freed by the holy Great Martyr Demetrius from the yoke of the infidels. - So one bishop was taken by the barbarians and imprisoned in chains, but the saint appeared to him, freed him from the chains and, guarded by the saint, the bishop arrived safely in Thessaloniki. Another time, the barbarians, rushing into the boundaries of this city, took away many of the inhabitants. Between the prisoners were two beautiful maidens; They were good at embroidering on hoops and depicting various flowers, trees, birds, animals and human faces on fabric. The barbarians took them to their land and gave them as a gift to their prince. Having learned about their art, the prince told them:

“I know that in your land there is a great god, Demetrius, who works wondrous miracles; embroider his image on the canvas, and I will bow to him.

The girls answered:

- No, prince, Demetrius is not God, but only a great servant of God and a Christian helper. We will not fulfill your demand, because we know that you do not want to bow to him, but to violate his image.

“In my power,” the prince answered them, “your life and death; choose what you want: either do what I demand of you, then you will live; and if you do not carry out my orders, you will be executed immediately.

Fearing to die, the captives began to embroider the image of St. Demetrius. Just before the day when the memory of the saint is celebrated, the girls finished their work and on the night of October 26, sitting at their embroidery hoops, they leaned over the image they had embroidered and began to cry:

“Do not be angry with us, martyr of Christ,” they said, “we know that the lawless prince wants to laugh at your image; We call you to witness that we did not want to embroider your image, we were forced to do this under the threat of evil death.

Crying in this way over the image of the saint, they fell asleep.

During their sleep, Saint Demetrius, miraculously, like the angel of Habakkuk once, carried those girls along with their work that same night to Thessaloniki for his holiday and placed them in the church near his relics during the all-night vigil. Seeing such a miracle, everyone was surprised, and the girls, waking up, exclaimed:

- God bless. Where are we?

They could not come to their senses from surprise and thought that all this was happening in a dream.

Finally, they were finally convinced that they were really in Thessaloniki, they saw the tomb of the saint in front of them, they were standing in his temple, where there were many people praying. Then they publicly began to thank their intercessor, Saint Demetrius, and told everything that had happened to them. The inhabitants of Thessalonica, delighted by such a wondrous miracle, then celebrated the day of remembrance of St. Demetrius with great jubilation, and placed the embroidered image above the altar, and many miracles were performed from it to the glory of God, One in the Trinity. Glory, honor and worship from all creation be to Him forever, amen.

Troparion, tone 3:

You will find great champion in troubles, the universe, passion-bearing, conquering of tongues. Just as you brought down Leah’s pride, and you boldly created Nestor for the feat, so, Saint Demetrius, prayed to Christ God to grant us great mercy.

One of the most wondrous miracles with which God was pleased to glorify His great saint was the outflow of the world from his honest relics. This outflow is a wondrous sign of God’s grace. The end of the world began in the 7th century. A number of writers and historians testify to this incomprehensible phenomenon. Let us cite the Testimony of one of the writers, namely Demetrius Chrysologos, who lived in the second half of the 14th century: “it (i.e., myrrh) is not water in its properties, but is thicker than it and does not resemble any of the bodies on earth, either liquid or from solids and none prepared artificially... it is more amazing than all the incense, not only prepared by art, but also created by nature by God.” Many healings occurred through anointing with this world; even peoples who did not believe in Christ treasured this wondrous current. So, during the destruction of Thessaloniki by the Turks in 1429, the prudent among the enemies intended to take with them a certain amount of this world, about the healing power of which they had heard so much. The Holy Church, calling Saint Demetrius the myrrh-streamer, praises Christ’s ascetic in this way: “Peace is fragrant and honest, Demetrius, the open source (Canon, Canto 1). Your peace flows from the ever-flowing sources.”

Demetrius of Thessaloniki - the second Apostle Paul - is the name given to the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica. On the eighth day of November 306, Demetrius was killed for openly declaring himself a Christian. A common thing for that time was to die for the belief that decades ago the Son of God walked the earth. Every day of the church calendar is the memory of some martyr and saint. It is difficult to remember everyone known by name. It is impossible to imagine how many of them we have no idea about the life and death of.

It so happened that in Russia Saint Demetrius of Thessalonica was especially revered. On the one hand, he is a warrior saint, and our ancestors had to fight a lot. On the other hand, it was reported that Demetrius was a Slav by origin, although he lived in Greek Thessaloniki. Many even considered Dimitri to be Russian. He was perceived as a patron and assistant of the Russians, who sometimes helps them against the Greeks themselves. Evidence of this can be found in the chronicle narration of how Oleg defeated Constantinople in 907: “the Greeks were afraid and said: it is not Oleg, but Saint Demetrius sent against us from God.”

Probably, after the arrival of the relics was announced in churches, many heard the story about the life of St. Demetrius or read his “Life” (if they were not familiar with him before).

So, there is a possibility that Demetrius’s parents were Slavs (Slavic tribes used to settle near Thessaloniki and were engaged in trade. Some scientists believe that thanks to this, Saints Cyril and Methodius were familiar with the Slavic language from childhood: it was necessary to somehow communicate with market traders). They believed in Christ, built their lives according to the commandments and had a small church in their house.

Her son Dimitri was baptized in it. The father was an influential man - the proconsul (supreme ruler) of Thessalonica, professed Christianity secretly. When he died, the emperor met Demetrius and gave him the position of proconsul: the young man was smart and talented and probably knew well everything that a proconsul was supposed to do. There was one “but” that Galerius Maximian did not suspect: the new ruler of Thessalonica was also a Christian.

Unlike his father, young Demetrius did not hide his faith and immediately confessed himself as a Christian before his subjects. One can imagine how disgusted this honest and truthful young man was with the possibility of living, constantly hiding from others - his neighbors - the most precious and important thing that he had - faith in Christ. We can say that Dimitri did not care at all about how to please the emperor, get more valuables for himself and his family, or simply prolong his life.

Faith lived in his heart, and now he had in his hands the enormous opportunities that the position of proconsul gave, Saint Demetrius decided to use them to preach the Gospel. In the Life he is called “the second Apostle Paul.” founded a Christian community in Thessalonica, and Demetrius significantly increased it. And, like his great predecessor, he died the death of a martyr.

The emperor was angry when he learned about the proconsul's preaching. Maximian was just returning from a campaign in the Black Sea region, and decided to visit Thessaloniki with his entire army. Demetrius calmly ordered the servant to distribute all his property to the poor (“Divide the earthly wealth among them - we will seek heavenly wealth for ourselves”) and began to prepare himself for inevitable death by fasting and prayer.

By order of the emperor, the deposed proconsul was imprisoned. And at dawn on October 26 (November 8) they pierced his body with spears.

The body of the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius was thrown out to be devoured by wild animals, but the Thessalonica Christians took it and secretly buried it. Under Saint Constantine (306-337), a church was built over the tomb of Saint Demetrius. A hundred years later they began to build a new temple and its incorruptible relics were found.

Since the 7th century, during the cancer of the Great Martyr Demetrius, a miraculous flow of fragrant myrrh began. That's why Saint Demetrius is called Myrrh-streaming…

Dmitrov is one of the oldest cities in the Moscow region, founded in 1154 by the Rostov-Suzdal prince Yuri Dolgoruky. Named in honor of the holy great martyr Demetrius of Thessaloniki - the heavenly patron of the son of Yuri Dolgoruky - Vsevolod, who was born that year.

The complete life of the holy martyr. Demetrius of Thessalonica

Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica. Icon with Life

Saint Demetrius was the son of the Roman proconsul in Thessaloniki (modern Thessaloniki, Slavic name - Thessaloniki). It was the third century of Christianity. Roman paganism, spiritually broken and defeated by a host of martyrs and confessors of the Crucified Savior, intensified persecution. The father and mother of Saint Demetrius were secret Christians.

In a secret house church that was in the house of the proconsul, the boy was baptized and instructed in the Christian faith. When his father died, and Demetrius had already reached adulthood, Emperor Galerius Maximian, who ascended the throne in 305, summoned him to his place and, convinced of his education and military-administrative abilities, appointed him in his father’s place. Proconsul of the Thessalonian region.

The main task entrusted to the young strategist was to defend the city from barbarians, as well as to exterminate Christianity. It is interesting that among the barbarians who threatened the Romans, our ancestors, the Slavs, occupied an important place, especially willingly settling on the Thessalonian Peninsula. There is an opinion that Dimitri's parents were of Slavic origin.

In relation to Christians, the will of the emperor was expressed unambiguously: “Put to death everyone who calls on the name of the Crucified One.”

The emperor did not suspect, when appointing Demetrius, what a broad path of confessional exploits he was providing for the secret ascetic. Having accepted the appointment, Demetrius returned to Thessalonica and immediately before everyone confessed and glorified our Lord Jesus Christ.

Instead of persecuting and executing Christians, he began to openly teach the inhabitants of the city the Christian faith and eradicate pagan customs and idolatry. The compiler of the Life, Metaphrastus, says that he became for Thessalonica in his teaching zeal “the second Apostle Paul,” because it was the “apostle of tongues” who once founded the first community of believers in this city (1 Thess., 2 Thess.). Saint Demetrius was destined by the Lord to follow the holy Apostle Paul in martyrdom.

When Maximian learned that the newly appointed proconsul was a Christian, and converted many Roman subjects, carried away by his example, to Christianity, the emperor’s anger knew no bounds. Returning from a campaign in the Black Sea region, the emperor decided to lead the army through Thessalonica, full of desire to deal with the Thessalonian Christians.

Having learned about this, Saint Demetrius ordered his faithful servant Lupp in advance to distribute the property to the poor with the words: “Divide the earthly wealth among them - we will seek for ourselves heavenly wealth.” And he devoted himself to fasting and prayer, preparing himself to accept the crown of martyrdom.

When the emperor entered the city, Demetrius was summoned to him, and he boldly confessed himself to be a Christian and exposed the untruth and vanity of Roman polytheism. Maximian ordered the confessor to be imprisoned, and an Angel came down to him in prison, comforting him and strengthening him in his feat. Meanwhile, the emperor indulged in gloomy gladiatorial spectacles, admiring how his favorite strongman, a German named Liy, threw the Christians he had defeated in the fight from the platform onto spears.

A brave young man named Nestor, from Thessalonica Christians, came to his mentor Demetrius in prison and asked to bless him for single combat with the barbarian. With the blessing of Demetrius, Nestor overpowered the holy saint, a ferocious German, with his prayers and threw him off the platform onto the spears of the soldiers, just as a pagan killer threw off Christians. The enraged ruler ordered immediate execution Holy Martyr Nestor(October 27) and sent guards to the prison to pierce Saint Demetrius, who blessed him for his feat, with spears.

At dawn on October 26, 306, warriors appeared in the underground dungeon of the holy prisoner and pierced him with spears. Faithful Servant Saint Lupp He collected the blood of the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius on a towel, took the imperial ring from his finger, a sign of his high dignity, and also dipped it in the blood. With the ring and other shrines, consecrated with the blood of Saint Demetrius, Saint Luppus began to heal the sick. The emperor ordered to seize and kill him. The body of the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius was thrown out to be devoured by wild animals, but the lions and tigers did not touch him and the Thessaloniki Christians were able to take him and secretly buried him.

This was performed for the first time in the Trinity-Sergius Monastery on October 20, 1380 by St. Sergius, Abbot of Radonezh, in the presence of the Grand Duke Demetrius Donskoy himself. Since then, it has been celebrated annually in the monastery with the solemn commemoration of the heroes of the Battle of Kulikovo, including the schema-monks-warriors Alexander (Peresvet) and Andrei (Oslyabi).

The relics of the Great Martyr Demetrius are located in Thessaloniki in the Basilica of St. Demetrius, which in 1988 was included in the list of World Heritage Sites as part of the Early Christian and Byzantine Monuments of Thessaloniki. In the Middle Ages, the relics were taken to Italy and returned back to Thessaloniki only in the 20th century: in 1978 - the honest chapter, and in 1980 - the main part of the relics (six large particles remained in Italy).

DEMITRIY OF SOLUNSKY
Troparion, tone 3

You will find a great champion in troubles, the universe, more passion-bearing, / conquering tongues. / Just as you brought down Liev’s pride, / and you boldly created Nestor for the feat, / so, Saint Demetrius, / prayed to Christ God / to grant us great mercy.

Kontakion, tone 2

With streams of your blood, Demetrius, / God stained the Church, / giving you an invincible fortress, / and keeping your city unharmed; / of that you are a statement.

Prayers to the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica, the myrrh-streamer

First 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, and that we may be delivered from the all-destroying plague, cowardice, flood, fire, sword and eternal punishment. Pray for His goodness to show mercy to this city, this temple and every Christian country. Ask the King of those reigning for victory and victory over your enemies, but for our entire power 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 Master Christ God is done here, Let us be worthy through your prayers to inherit the kingdom of heaven, for His eternal glorification with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Second prayer

Holy Great Martyr of Christ Demetrius! Standing boldly before the Heavenly King, ask Him for forgiveness of our sins and for us, the accursed (names), to be delivered from the all-destructive plague, fire and eternal punishment. Pray for His goodness to favor this parish (or house) and our temple. Ask us for grace-filled strengthening for good deeds, so that what is pleasing to our Master, Christ God, who works here, may be worthy through Your prayers to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven and there glorify Him, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen

Great Martyr DEMITRIUS OF THESSALONAS (†306)

Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica - one of the most revered saints in the Orthodox world, the heavenly patron of Thessaloniki.

Life

He was born into a rich and noble family of the Roman proconsul in the city of Soluni in Greece (Thessaloniki, now Thessaloniki) during the reign of the wicked god-fighting kings Diocletian and Maximian. His parents, secret Christians, had no children for a long time. They earnestly prayed to the Lord to give them an heir. The all-merciful Lord heeded their prayers and gave them a son, whom they named Demetrius. When the boy grew up, they called a priest, secretly baptized him in their secret home church and constantly instructed him in the faith.

When his father died, and Demetrius had already reached adulthood, Emperor Galerius Maximian, who ascended the throne in 305, summoned him to his place. Demetrius was a handsome, chaste, intelligent and brave young man, and the emperor, convinced of his education and military-administrative abilities, appointed him in his father’s place as proconsul of the Thessalonian region, whose main duty was to defend cities from barbarians and exterminate Christians. In relation to Christians, the will of the emperor was expressed unambiguously: “Put to death everyone who calls on the name of the Crucified One.”

Instead of executing Christians, Dmitry began to convert the residents of Thessaloniki to the new faith. He began to openly teach them the Christian faith and eradicate pagan customs and idolatry. He was nicknamed the second Apostle Paul, since the Apostle himself founded the first community of believers here.
Rumors of this soon reached Maximian himself - the emperor’s anger knew no bounds. Returning from a campaign against the Sarmatians (tribes inhabiting the Black Sea steppes), Maximian stopped in Thessalonica, full of desire to deal with the Solunian Christians.

Having learned about this, Saint Demetrius ordered his faithful servant Lupp in advance to distribute the property to the poor with the words: “Divide the earthly riches among them, and let us seek for ourselves heavenly riches.” And he devoted himself to fasting and prayer, preparing himself to accept the crown of martyrdom.

The emperor entered the city and called his proconsul to him. Demetrius boldly confessed himself to be a Christian and began to condemn pagan polytheism. The emperor imprisoned him.

As if in a bright palace, Saint Demetrius sat in prison, praising and glorifying God. The devil, wanting to frighten the saint, turned into a scorpion and wanted to sting him in the leg. Making the sign of the cross, the saint fearlessly trampled the attacker. He was also honored with a visit from the Angel of God, who brought him peace and encouraged him before suffering.

Meanwhile, the emperor organized gladiatorial games and began to amuse himself with the spectacles. He had one favorite strongman, an outstanding wrestler named Liy, a Vandal by birth. Having ordered the construction of high scaffolds for him, Maximian watched with great pleasure as Liy fought with his opponents and put them to a painful death, throwing them onto spears. Among the dead were many Christians who were forced into battle.

A brave young man named Nestor, from Thessalonica Christians, came to his mentor Demetrius in prison and asked to bless him for single combat with the barbarian. Having made the sign of the cross over Nestor, Saint Demetrius predicted: “You will defeat Leah and endure torment for Christ!” Then, having entered into battle with Liy, he overpowered the royal wrestler and threw him down from the platform onto sharp spears. The death of Leah greatly saddened the king: he immediately ordered that blessed Nestor be put to death. But this execution did not console Maximian; all day and all night he regretted the death of Leah. Having learned that the holy martyr Nestor entered into single combat with Leah on the advice and blessing of Saint Demetrius, the emperor ordered that Saint Demetrius be pierced with spears.

Early in the morning of October 26, 306, soldiers entered the dungeon. They found the saint standing in prayer and immediately pierced him with spears. The body of the Great Martyr Demetrius was thrown out to be devoured by wild beasts, but the Thessalonians secretly betrayed him to the ground.

The faithful servant Saint Luppus collected the blood of the holy Great Martyr Demetrius on a towel, removed the imperial ring from his finger, a sign of his high dignity, and also dipped it in the blood. With a ring and other shrines, consecrated with the blood of Saint Demetrius, Saint Luppus began to heal the sick. The emperor ordered to seize and kill him.

History with relics

According to his life, after the execution of Demetrius, his body was thrown to be devoured by beasts, but they did not touch him and the remains were buried by Thessalonica Christians.

Under Saint Constantine, Equal to the Apostles (306-337), a church was erected over the tomb of Saint Demetrius, in which many miracles and healings were performed.

And after 100 years, one Illyrian nobleman named Leonty Having received healing from a serious, incurable illness in that temple, he wanted to build a new majestic temple as a sign of gratitude.

The former small temple was dismantled, and when they began to dig a ditch for the foundation, the relics of the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius were found completely intact and incorruptible. Fragrant myrrh flowed from them, so that the whole city was filled with fragrance, in connection with which the Great Martyr Demetrius received the church name Myrrh-streaming .

With great reverence, the holy relics were taken from the ground, and many sick people received healing through anointing with the flowing ointment. Leonty rejoiced not so much about his healing as about the discovery of the holy relics. He soon finished the work he had started and built a beautiful temple in the name of St. Demetrius on that place. Here, in the ark, bound in gold and silver, decorated with precious stones, the honorable relics of the great martyr were placed.

Ciborium for the shrine with the relics of St. Demetrius (located in the left nave of the basilica)

When the time came for Leonty to return to his homeland, he decided to take some of the relics of the saint in order to build a church in his city in the name of the Great Martyr Demetrius. But the saint, having appeared, forbade him to separate any part of the relics. Then he took only the shroud stained with the blood of the saint, with the help of which he miraculously crossed the turbulent and high-water river that he encountered on the way. Returning to Illyria, Leonty built a temple there in the name of the holy great martyr Demetrius, and miracles happened there too: the ruler of Illyria received healing from the scabs and pus that covered his body, many demoniacs and the sick were healed forever.

Myrrh-streaming

Since ancient times, the relics of Saint Demetrius have been revered as myrrh-streaming. Believers who came to the basilica to venerate the saint collected myrrh into glass ampoules. Warriors rubbed their bodies with sacred myrrh before battle. Myrrh was revered not only by Christians. John Anagnost, who described the capture of the city by the Turks, reports that Muslims also collected myrrh, considering it a medical drug for any disease. In ancient times, the flow of myrrh was very abundant - the Byzantine historian and writer Nikita Choniates describes how the Normans, who captured Thessaloniki in 1185, blasphemously collected myrrh into pots, fried fish on it and smeared their shoes with it. Although the myrrh-streaming of the relics has now stopped, the saint’s shrine is opened at vespers on the eve of the saint’s day of remembrance and cotton wool soaked in aromatic liquid is distributed to the believers.

Tales of Miracles

There are several collections of stories about the miracles of Demetrius of Thessalonica, created at the beginning and end of the 7th century. in Thessalonica. They are considered the most ancient and formed the basis for all subsequent ones.There were especially many miracles in Thessaloniki, where the relics of the Great Martyr Demetrius rested.

The Miracle of the Silver Throne. One day there was a fire in the temple dedicated to the saint. From strong firea silver canopy melted over the relics of the saint. The Archbishop of Thessaloniki at that time was Eusebius, who wanted to restore the silver canopy. But he had too little silver. In this temple there was a silver throne, which remained completely undamaged during the fire. The archbishop decided to transfer the throne to the canopy for the saint’s tomb, but had not yet informed anyone of his intention. At the same time, there was one pious presbyter named Demetrius at the temple. The Holy Great Martyr appeared to him three times with the words: “Go and tell the bishop of the city: do not overfill the throne that is in my temple... I myself will take care of my temple and the city, leave me to take care of them.” And only the third time the bishop believed the presbyter and ordered not to overfill the throne. Soon a citizen of Thessaloniki, named Mina, came and brought with him 75 pounds of silver. He wished that this silver be spent for the canopy over the saint’s tomb. Then other citizens of Thessaloniki appeared and also brought silver. From the donations a beautiful canopy was made for the tomb of the Great Martyr Demetrius.

The miracle of the siege of the city. During the reign of Emperor Mauritius, the Avars living on the Don besieged the city of Thessaloniki. Saint Demetrius appeared on the city wall and, striking with a spear, threw off the wall the first of the enemies who climbed the wall. Falling, he dragged the other attackers along with him, and the 100,000-strong army of the besiegers fled in horror. But after some time the enemy came to his senses and besieged the city again. At this time, a certain pious resident of Thessaloniki named Illustrius fervently prayed in the church of the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius for the deliverance of the city from its enemies. And suddenly he saw two angels entering the temple and heading towards the saint’s tomb. At their call, the saint “came out in his likeness, his face shining more powerfully than a ray of sunshine.” The angels kissed him and conveyed the Lord’s command to leave the city, for the city would be taken by the filthy. Dmitry began to cry, saddened, and asked to tell the Vladyka: he cannot leave his city in such trouble and watch its death from the sidelines. “If you destroy the city, I will perish with it; if you save me, I will be saved with him.” The angels were dissatisfied with the saint’s decision and left, warning him that God’s wrath threatened him for disobedience. The saint lay down in the coffin. In the morning, Illustry told his fellow citizens about the vision, which greatly encouraged and delighted them. On the seventh day of the siege, the enemies fled for no apparent reason, abandoning their tents and throwing weapons.

Miracle about the help of the great martyr in famine. After the siege of the city was lifted, all grain reserves were destroyed and famine began in the city. The saint appeared several times on ships sailing the sea, walked around piers and islands, commanding ships everywhere with wheat to sail to Thessaloniki. Thus the city was saved from famine.

The miracle of the reclaiming of the relics of a martyr. When the pious king Justinian built a magnificent temple in Constantinople in the name of Sophia - the Wisdom of God, he sent honest men to Thessaloniki to bring from there some of the relics of the holy great martyr Demetrius for the decoration and consecration of the newly erected temple. Arriving in Thessaloniki, the messengers approached the sacred ark, where the relics of the great martyr rested, in order to fulfill the royal command; suddenly a pillar of flame burst out of the ark, showering everyone with a whole sheaf of sparks, and a voice was heard from the fire: “Stop and don’t dare touch me.” Everyone present fell to the ground, overwhelmed with fear; then the messengers, taking only a little land from the place where the relics were located, returned to the king and told him about everything that had happened to them. Everyone who listened to their story was amazed. The messengers gave half of the taken land to the king, and the rest was placed in the church treasury.

The Miracle of the Sexton Onesiphorus. Saint Demetrius did not allow the donations made to his temple to be stolen. One day, a young man named Onesiphorus, who was performing his obedience in the Thessalonica temple, at the teachings of the devil, came up with the idea of ​​stealing the candles lit near the shrine with relics and selling them again, appropriating the proceeds for himself. Saint Demetrius appeared to Onesiphorus in a dream and denounced him with the greatest condescension. This made an impression on the young man, but not for long. Soon he returned to his previous occupation. And so, when he once again extended his hand to the candles, a loud voice came from the coffin: “Are you doing this again?!” The young man fell to the ground and lay until he was raised, after which he told those present about his sinful passion and the denunciations of Saint Demetrius and repented.

The miracle of the release of prisoners. The life of Saint Demetrius also tells that he freed prisoners from the yoke of infidels and helped them reach Thessaloniki. So two beautiful maidens, having been captured and received orders from a foreign prince to embroider an image of Saint Demetrius (the pagan prince had heard a lot about the miracles of the saint and wanted to worship his image as if it were an idol). When the tired girls fell asleep at work, they were miraculously transferred, along with the image they had embroidered, to the Thessaloniki temple, where a vigil was being held in honor of the feast of St. Demetrius. The awakened girls glorified God, and the image was placed above the altar.

Intercession against the raids of the pagan Slavs. Repeatedly approaching the city, the pagan Slavs were driven away from the walls of Thessaloniki by the sight of a formidable, bright young man who walked around the walls and inspired terror in the soldiers. Perhaps this is why the name of Saint Demetrius of Thessalonica is especially revered among the Slavic peoples after their enlightenment with the light of the Gospel truth. On the other hand, the Greeks considered Saint Demetrius to be a Slavic saint par excellence.

Since ancient times, Serbs and Bulgarians have revered the Great Martyr Demetrius as the patron saint of the Slavs, calling them the “fatherland lover” of the Slavic peoples, linking this with the Slavic origin of the saint. It is no coincidence that the first work in the Slavic language by the saints Equal-to-the-Apostles Methodius and Cyril after they created the Slavic alphabet was the “Canon of Demetrius of Thessalonica”. This canon is considered the starting point in the birth of great Slavic literature.

Veneration of Saint Demetrius of Thessalonica in Rus'

The Holy Great Martyr Demetrius performed many miracles in our Fatherland. His name in the most ancient Russian chronicles is mentioned before other names of saints: the Monk Nestor the chronicler says that the Greeks, defeated by the Grand Duke Oleg near Constantinople in 907, attributed their defeat not to the bravery of the Slavs, but to the intercession for them of their patron Saint Demetrius.

In Rus', St. Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica was revered as the patron of patriotism and all those who fight for the Fatherland. Russian soldiers always believed that they were under the special protection of the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius. Moreover, in ancient Russian epics, the Great Martyr Demetrius is portrayed as Russian by origin - this is how this image merged with the soul of the Russian people.

Church veneration of the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius in the Russian Church began immediately after the Baptism of Rus'.

Founded in the 11th century Dmitrievsky Monastery in Kyiv , later known as St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery. The mosaic icon of St. Demetrius of Thessalonica from the Cathedral of the Dimitrievsky Monastery has survived to this day and is located in the State Tretyakov Gallery.

It was erected in the 12th century, which is still a decoration of this ancient city.

In the 13th century, the holy noble prince Daniel of Moscow erected a temple in the name of the holy great martyr Demetrius, which became the first stone temple of the Moscow Kremlin. Later, under Prince John Kalita, it was dismantled, and in its place was erected Assumption Cathedral with the chapel of Demetrius of Thessalonica.

In 1197, the icon of the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius, written on the saint’s tombstone, was transferred from Thessaloniki to Vladimir by the Grand Duke Vsevolod Yuryevich, and this event was included as a holiday in the ancient calendar. This miraculous icon was first in Kyiv, then in Vladimir, and on the eve of the Battle of Kulikovo in 1380 it was solemnly transferred to Moscow as a great shrine by the holy noble prince Dimitri Donskoy and placed in the Assumption Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin (now located in the Tretyakov Gallery). One of the most valuable images of St. Demetrius is also the fresco on the pillar of the Assumption Cathedral in Vladimir, painted by the Rev. Andrei Rublev.

The special veneration of Saint Demetrius in Rus' is also evidenced by the tradition of Russian princes naming their firstborns after him. This was the case with Yaroslav I, Yuri Dolgoruky, Alexander Nevsky, Ivan II, Ivan the Terrible, and Alexei Mikhailovich. In ancient Rus', the day of the Great Martyr Demetrius was considered one of the major holidays; the service was usually performed by the patriarch himself, in the presence of the tsar. The Holy Blessed Grand Duke Demetrius Donskoy was a zealous admirer of Saint Demetrius.

Through the intercession of the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica and the prayerful intercession of the Venerable Wonderworker Sergius of Radonezh, Russian soldiers won the most important victory in the history of our Fatherland over the heterodox Tatar-Mongol horde and the gathering of the Russian Land began. After the victory in the Battle of Kulikovo, in memory of the Russian soldiers who died in the battle with Mamai, it was installed for church-wide commemoration Dmitrievskaya Parents' Saturday . For the first time, this requiem service was performed on October 20, 1380 in the Trinity Monastery by the Venerable Sergius of Radonezh in the presence of the Holy Blessed Grand Duke Demetrius Donskoy. This church tradition is still alive today.

Iconography

Since ancient times, the memory of Saint Demetrius of Thessalonica has been associated in Rus' with military feats, patriotism and defense of the Fatherland. The saint is depicted on icons as a warrior in feathered armor, with a spear and sword in his hands. The iconography of the saint is close to the images of another Christian warrior-martyr - St. George the Victorious. Just like St. George, Demetrius of Thessalonica did not participate in any military operations and did not win a single victory on the battlefield. Their feat consisted of courage and fortitude with which they defended their faith before pagan tormentors and, most importantly, in the resigned acceptance of death.

There are also hagiographic icons. Among them - "The Miracle of Dmitry of Thessaloniki" - represents a holy warrior (sometimes in the form of a horseman with a spear), trampling the devil in the form of a scorpion, or the pagan king Koloyan, with whose name one of the many miracles of St. Dimitri. The Bulgarian Tsar Kaloyan (1197-1207), having ravaged many cities in Thrace and Macedonia, was about to capture Thessalonica, where the myrrh-streaming relics of St. Dimitri. He approached the city and settled down to rest. At night, the Great Martyr Demetrius appeared to him on a white horse and stabbed him in the heart with a spear. Kaloyan woke up with a deep wound and told the military leader Manastyr about the vision. Kaloyan died, and his army, gripped by horror, fled, taking the king’s body.

The relics of the Great Martyr Demetrius are located in Thessaloniki in the Basilica of St. Demetrius, which in 1988 was included in the list of World Heritage Sites as part of the Early Christian and Byzantine Monuments of Thessaloniki. In the Middle Ages, the relics were taken to Italy and returned back to Thessaloniki only in the 20th century: in 1978 - the honest chapter, and in 1980 - the main part of the relics (six large particles remained in Italy).

Material prepared by Sergey SHULYAK

for the Church of the Life-Giving Trinity on Sparrow Hills

Troparion, tone 3:
You will find a great champion in troubles, the universe, a passion-bearer, and a conqueror of tongues. / Just as you brought down Liev’s pride, / and you boldly created Nestor for the feat, / so, Saint Demetrius, / prayed to Christ God / to grant us great mercy.

Kontakion, tone 3:
With the streams of your blood, Demetrius, God stained the church, giving you an invincible fortress, and keeping your city unharmed: for this you are the affirmation.

Prayer to the Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica:
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 and to free us from the all-destroying plague, cowardice, flood, fire, sword and eternal punishment. Pray for His goodness to show mercy to this city, this monastery and every Christian country. Seek from the King of the Reigns victory and victory over the enemies of the Orthodox Christians, the entire Orthodox 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 our Lord Christ God works here with grace, we may be worthy through your prayers to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven for His eternal glorification with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Ah min.

The holy relics of Dmitry of Thessalonica helped in curing many diseases, especially eye diseases. Therefore, you can pray to him for help to the sick, as well as for strengthening the Christian faith and help in strengthening the spirit in the face of danger.

Since ancient times, the saint was considered the patron saint of warriors and protector from enemy attacks. The military personnel themselves and their loved ones can pray to St. Demetrius to survive in hostilities and to overcome the hardships of military service.

It must be remembered that icons or saints do not “specialize” in any specific areas. It will be right when a person turns with faith in the power of God, and not in the power of this icon, this saint or prayer.
And .

THE LIFE OF THE HOLY GREAT MARTYR DMITRY OF THESOLUNSA

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 he, by the nature of his service, was simply obliged to take part in the persecution of those who believed in Christ. But he himself 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 confess 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 intention to the emperor, 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. Once in prison, a heavenly Angel descended on 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 the blessing of Saint Demetrius of Thessaloniki, 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 blessed Nestor for the duel and also 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 with 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.

REVERENCE TO DMITRY OF SOLUNSKY

Soon, after Saint Constantine, Equal-to-the-Apostles (306-337), came to power, a church was built over the place where Demetrius of Thessalonica was buried. A hundred years later, when they decided to build a new temple instead of the old church, the incorruptible relics of the Great Martyr Dmitry of Thessaloniki were found.
In the seventh century, a new miracle happened - the outflow of the wonderful world began, and therefore Saint Dmitry began to be called the Myrrh-Breaking One.

Several times they wanted to transfer his incorruptible relics to the capital, Constantinople, but Saint Dmitry showed every time that he would like to remain in his hometown.
The pagan Slavs attacked Thessalonica more than once, but each time they saw a formidable young man go around the city walls. This vision greatly frightened the attackers. These legends reached our direct ancestors, who, after accepting Christianity, greatly revered Saint Dmitry of Thessalonica.

Therefore, immediately after the Baptism of Rus', the Demetrius Monastery was founded in Kyiv by the son of Yaroslav the Wise (later it was the St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery). The mosaic icon of Dmitry Thessalonica from this monastery is now in the State Tretyakov Gallery. Prince Vsevolod III the Big Nest, who ruled in Vladimir, built the Demetrius Cathedral in 1194-1197, which is still a decoration of this city, and the miraculous icon of St. Demetrius from this temple is now also in the Moscow Tretyakov Gallery.

The eldest son of Saint Alexander Nevsky received a name in honor of the great martyr, and his youngest son, Saint Daniel of Moscow, in Moscow in 1280 built the first stone church in Moscow in honor of Saint Dmitry of Thessalonica. True, fifty years later, under Ivan Kalita, it was dismantled, and the Assumption Cathedral was built on this site.

The saint was not Russian by origin, but Russian soldiers always considered him “one of their own,” a defender of the Motherland, an assistant in military affairs.

The Grand Duke of Moscow Dimitri Donskoy considered Dmitry Thessalonica his heavenly patron and, with the help of the saint’s prayers, won a series of victories in defending the Christian faith from the Lithuanians and Mongol-Tatars.
The Battle of Kulikovo, in which Russian warriors for the first time in several centuries crushed the previously invincible Horde army, also took place under the patronage of Saint Demetrius.
Before this battle, Prince Dmitry Donskoy solemnly transferred from the city of Vladimir to Moscow the icon of the Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessaloniki, which was written on the board of the saint’s tomb.
On October 20, 1380, in the Trinity-Sergius Monastery, St. Sergius of Radonezh, in memory of all the fallen warrior-heroes of the Battle of Kulikovo, held a memorial service, which since then has been held annually. And after some time, a new church memorial day arose - which falls on the first Saturday before the day of remembrance of St. Demetrius of Thessaloniki.

GREATNESS

We magnify you, the passion-bearing Saint Demetrius, and honor your honest suffering, which you endured for Christ.

VIDEO