The Orthodox Church honors the memory of Holy New Martyr Demetrius today.
Demetrius, who lived in the late 18th century AD, was born in Samarina. He dedicated his life to Christ at a young age and joined a monastery in Epirus. Despite leading an ascetic life, he fearlessly preached the word of Christ in the Turkish-occupied villages of Thessaly.
After the failed uprising led by priest Efthymios Vlachavas in 1808, Demetrius was captured by the Turks and brought before Ali Pasha. Despite enduring severe torture, he remained steadfast in his faith.
Demetrius ultimately met his martyrdom by being sealed into a wall, where he passed away after ten days of suffering. One Turk, who witnessed his courage, openly professed his faith in Jesus Christ, facing torture himself for his beliefs.
Even today, there are secret followers of the Holy Gospel worldwide, living in fear of persecution and temptation.
Let us remember in our prayers the hidden Christians and catechumens awaiting their Baptism, longing to receive the sacrament of anointing with oil in the name of the Holy Trinity.
Source: Church of Cyprus