Weathered lithography (icon) of Saint Demetrios in pine wood with carved decoration.

Saint Demetrius the Myrrh-streamer was born in Thessaloniki around 280 AD when the emperor of Rome was Maximian. He came from an aristocratic family and quickly rose to the high positions of the Roman army. He embraced the Christian faith and became a preacher of the Word of God in Thessaloniki. He taught the Bible to young students in underground galleries of the city and that fact provoked the hatred of the pagans. Demetrios was arrested for his actions and taken in front of Maximian. The emperor asked the Saint to renounce his faith and when he refused, he ordered his imprisonment and execution. His memory is celebrated by the Orthodox Christian Church on October 26 of each year. He is honored as the patron saint of Thessaloniki.

Apolytikion of Saint Demetrius the Myrrh-streamer

Third Tone

The world has found in you a great champion in time of peril, as you emerged the victor in routing the barbarians. For as you brought to naught the boasts of Lyaios, imparting courage to Nestor in the stadium, in like manner, holy one, great Martyr Dimitrios, invoke Christ God for us, that He may grant us His great mercy.