Description

Feast Day/Commemorated: October 26

Saint Demetrios the Myrrh-gusher, born to secret Christian parents in Thessaloniki, was raised in the Christian Faith amidst the intensifying Roman persecutions of the fourth century. Upon his father's death, Emperor Galerius Maximian appointed Demetrios as proconsul, trusting his abilities but unaware of his Christian allegiance. Instead of eradicating Christianity as ordered, Demetrios openly confessed Christ and began teaching the Faith, converting many Roman subjects and overthrowing pagan customs in Thessaloniki. His zeal earned him the title "a second Apostle Paul" for the city, echoing the Apostle's earlier evangelism there.

When Emperor Maximian learned of Demetrios's actions, his rage knew no bounds. Returning from a campaign, he diverted his army through Thessaloniki, determined to massacre Christians. Saint Demetrios, aware of the impending danger, distributed his wealth to the poor, preparing himself for martyrdom through prayer and fasting. Upon the Emperor's arrival, Demetrios boldly confessed his Christian faith and denounced Roman polytheism, leading to his imprisonment. While in prison, an angel comforted him, and he blessed his disciple Nestor to fight the German champion Lyaeos in the circus games. Nestor, empowered by Saint Demetrios's prayers, defeated Lyaeos, mirroring the pagan's intended cruelty. Enraged, the Emperor ordered the execution of both Nestor and Saint Demetrios.

At dawn on October 26, 306, soldiers martyred Saint Demetrios in his underground prison. His faithful servant, Lupus, gathered his blood-soaked garment and dipped the imperial ring in the holy blood, using these sanctified items to heal the infirm. Lupus, too, was subsequently martyred. The Christians secretly buried Saint Demetrios's body, and during the reign of Saint Constantine, a church was built over his grave. A century later, during the construction of a new church, his incorrupt relics were uncovered. Since the seventh century, a miraculous flow of fragrant myrrh has emanated from his crypt, earning him the title "the Myrrh-gusher." Despite attempts to move his relics to Constantinople, Saint Demetrios consistently made it clear he would not permit their removal.

The veneration of Saint Demetrios holds particular significance among Slavic nations, especially in Russia, where his name is historically linked with military prowess and national defense. The Russian Primary Chronicle even recounts Greeks believing Saint Demetrios was sent by God against Oleg the Wise. Russian soldiers traditionally believed themselves to be under his special protection, and he was often depicted as a Russian soldier in their barracks. His veneration in Russia began shortly after the Baptism of Rus, with the founding of the Dimitriev monastery in Kiev in the 1070s by Great Prince Izyaslav. Later, Great Prince Vsevolod III of Vladimir built the beautiful Dimitriev cathedral, which housed a wonderworking icon of Saint Demetrios painted on wood from his grave in Thessaloniki.

The family of Saint Alexander Nevsky also revered Saint Demetrios, with Alexander naming his eldest son after the saint. Prince Daniel of Moscow, Alexander's younger son, built the first stone church in the Moscow Kremlin, dedicated to Saint Demetrios. The Saint Demetrios Memorial Saturday was established to commemorate soldiers who fell in the Battle of Kulikovo, a pivotal victory for Russia led by Great Prince Demetrios of the Don, who had a deep reverence for the holy Great Martyr. Saint Demetrios is also regarded as a protector of the young and is invoked by those struggling with lustful temptations, embodying strength, faith, and divine intercession.

About Our Icons (Print and Mounted):

Theophany Works Icons are handcrafted reproductions, made with prayer and a desire for excellence. Choose from our standard mounted option on Museum Quality Paper or you may choose to upgrade to Museum Quality Matte Canvas. Both offer a rich print with saturated coloration and are finished with our high-grade UV protection sealant offering a subtle tactile texture that gives our icons a truly authentic feel. Additionally, each Maple-shelled panel is prepared with a painted chamfered front edge as well as a round-over on the back edge to give a shadow box effect when hung on the wall. Our Icons come standard with a sliding key-hole slot on the back which allows for balanced hanging. These beautiful American-made reproductions will be a beloved addition to any home or parish at the fraction of the cost of a hand painted icon.