Holy and Glorious Great-Martyr Demetrius from Whose Tomb Myrrh Streams Forth (285-310); Commemoration of the Great and Terrible Earthquake at Constantinople of 741
All-Night Vigil Feast. A day when the faithful are highly encouraged to participate in the Divine Liturgy
Read
2 Timothy 2:1-10; John 15:17-16:2
Happy feast of the Holy and Glorious Great-Martyr Demetrius, from whose tomb myrrh streams forth!
St. Demetrius was a native of Thessalonica and lived under Emperors Diocletian and Maximian. He was martyred near the beginning of the fourth century. He was commanded by the Emperor to start a campaign to kill Christians. Instead, he proclaimed Christ Jesus to many and they were baptized. Confronted by the Emperor, Demetrius confessed his faith in Christ Jesus and the futility of Roman polytheism. He was thrown into prison. The Emperor decided to entertain himself with games at the circus. A well-known barbarian named Lyaios boasted in the stadium of his prowess and challenged the Christians. A young man named Nestor, having received the blessings and prayers of Demetrius, went to the stadium and left the barbarian dead. The Emperor, Maximian, was saddened by this defeat and had Demetrius and Nestor killed. Demetrius was run through with the lances of 306 soldiers. Today, as has been for many generations, the relics of St. Demetrius issue forth myrrh (a fragrant oily substance) that has been known to heal miraculously others of their illnesses.
The persecution of Christians is not something that only happened in the past. It continues today. In fact, there have been more Christians persecuted and martyred in the 20th century alone than all the centuries beforehand combined. Most recently, there have been numerous martyrs in Syria and Egypt. As Ukrainian Catholics, we recognize the martyrs Blessed Nicholas Charnetsky and the 27 other martyrs that were beatified by St. Pope John Paul II in 2001 in Ukraine.
Why are Christians persecuted and even martyred? Why are they hated by some seemingly good people? Why would the world hate Jesus?
We ought not to be surprised that the world hates Jesus and those who follow him (by the “world” we mean those who are influenced and submit to the “ruler of this world”). He told us that the world hated Him before it hated us. Our Lord states that “They hated me without a cause.” This is a quote found in a number of Psalms in which King David reflects on his struggle with the godless, the wicked, and the deceitful. Jesus also says: “Whoever hates me hates my Father also.” This is not some sort of lament. Rather, it confronts the world with the Truth of Who He is—the Messiah promised by the Father—and provides an opportunity for change in their lives, and to whom they will submit, as each of us, and all of us can only serve one master.
In his submission to Christ and His Church, St. Demetrius was led to confess Jesus Christ to many in his day-to-day life as a Roman proconsul. He served our Master well, and this led to his martyrdom. Even in his martyrdom, there were many who converted to our Lord and His Truth. We, too, are to confess our Lord in our day-to-day lives. Like Demetrius, we mustn’t be afraid. Like him, we serve our only Master.
By the way, the Gospel for today is also read on the third Saturday of Pascha, the first Saturday of the Great Fast, and another Great-Martyr, George (April 23).