The Holy and Glorious Great-Martyr Demetrius, from Whose Tomb Myrrh Streams Forth (285-310); and the Commemoration of the Great and Terrible Earthquake at Constantinople of 741 AD
2 Timothy 2:1-10; John 15:17-16:2
All-Night Vigil Feast. A day when the faithful are highly encouraged
to participate in the Divine Liturgy.
Read 2 Timothy 2:1-10
Paul exhorts Timothy to rely on the grace and the strength that the Lord will provide as he continues to teach what he himself has been taught by Paul. We see here in part what is understood as Apostolic Tradition being passed from one generation to the next. It continues even to this day.
Paul reminds Timothy that this teaching must be faithfully preached, taught, and lived, despite all the false teachings that may surround it. Standing for the Truth of the Gospel, Timothy will certainly endure hardships and suffering. That is the cost of preaching the Gospel without compromise.
Today, we commemorate Saint Demetrius. Demetrius was from Thessalonica. His father was a commander for Emperor Maximian, and when he died, the Emperor appointed Demetrius to his father’s position. As Maximian had a deep hatred of Christians, he asked Demetrius to persecute and exterminate Christians in Thessalonica. Demetrius chose to confess the Lord Jesus Christ before Emperor Maximian. Upon his arrest, he gave everything to the poor. While in prison, he was known to pray constantly with great joy. When found to be praying by the guards he was run through with lances and his fellow Christians gave him an honourable burial. A nobleman, Leontius, was healed of an incurable disease when he prayed before the relics of Demetrius.