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
All-Night Vigil Feast. A day when the faithful are highly encouraged to participate in the Divine Liturgy
2 Timothy 2:1-10; John 15:17-16:2
Read 2 Timothy 2:1-10
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.
Today, October 26, the Church keeps the memory of the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessaloniki. St. Demetrius, along with St. George, are two highly venerated saints in the Christian East that were also military soldiers. St. Demetrius was secretly baptized and raised in the Christian faith. His parents were not just secret Christians; they also hosted a secret church in their home.
In 305, St. Demetrius was appointed as proconsul of the Thessaloniki district by Emperor Galerius Maximian. His principle duties were to defend the city from barbarians and eradicate Christianity. While St. Demetrius valiantly defended the city from hostile enemies, he was an even greater teacher of the Christian faith and apostle of Jesus Christ. For his great evangelistic efforts, he suffered the death of a martyr in 306.
St. Demetrius was a faithful soldier. He wore the uniform of an earthly soldier and fulfilled his responsibilities. However, he never forgot that his greatest faithfulness and service belonged to Jesus Christ. The uniform of an earthly soldier was insignificant when compared to his putting on of Christ at baptism. His allegiance to the Emperor was secondary to his allegiance to his Saviour, Jesus Christ. This life was nothing to him in comparison to the life of eternity with Christ which he sought after and inherited by the shedding of his blood.
Holy Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessaloniki, pray to God for us.