Saint Demetrius of Thessaloniki
Most venerated martyr of Thessalonica, in the time of Galerius
- Rank
- Saint
- Kind
- Martyr
- Life
- d. ~306
- Era
- 4th century
- Feast
- 26 October
- Countries
- Greece
Life story
Demetrius is thought to have died around 306 (possibly 305) at Thessalonica in Macedonia, during the persecution promoted by Galerius. Accounts say he was run through with spears.
The oldest surviving lives date from the ninth century, with a collection of Miracles from the seventh. They describe him as a young man of senatorial family and a proconsul; later tradition made him a Roman soldier, reflecting the city's repeated attacks and his reputed role as its defender.
The Hagios Demetrios church in Thessalonica is his chief shrine. A large basilica stood on the site by the fifth century; it burned in the seventh century and was rebuilt, and fire nearly destroyed it again in 1917. Fragrant myrrh was said to flow from his tomb in the crypt, which gave him the title Myroblyte. Whether he is the same person as Demetrius of Sirmium is still debated.
The Orthodox churches generally keep his feast on 26 October (8 November in the new style); Catholic sources list 8 October. He is venerated as patron of Thessalonica and of soldiers.
Works and witness
- Martyred at Thessalonica around 306
- A basilica in his name has stood there since the fifth century
- Called Myroblyte because his relics were said to exude myrrh
- Patron of the city of Thessalonica
Patron of
The city of Thessalonica, Soldiers
Saints from the same country
References
- Orthodox Wiki, "Church of Saint Demetrios (Thessalonica)" and "Demetrius of Thessaloniki" (orthodoxwiki.org)
- Thessaloniki Tourism, "Church of Aghios Demetrius" (thessaloniki.travel)
Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.