The Church commemorates the life of Holy and Glorious Great-martyr Dimitrios the Myrrh-gusher, a beloved saint in the Orthodox Church.
Saint Dimitrios was born in Thessaloniki around AD 280 and lived during the rule of Emperor Diocletian. He was martyred during the widespread persecution of Christians after AD 303.
Coming from a noble family, Saint Dimitrios rose to high ranks in the Roman army at a young age. He was also a prominent member of the Church, using his skills in oratory to teach and preach the Gospel to the people of Thessaloniki. His noble heritage and strong faith in Christianity, combined with his determination to spread the truth of the Gospel, ultimately led to his persecution by the Roman Empire. Despite Emperor Diocletian’s decree against Christianity in 303 AD, Saint Dimitrios continued to practice his faith, which resulted in his arrest, imprisonment, and eventual martyrdom.
During the violent stadium games, where sacrifices to idols and brutal acts took place, one of Saint Dimitrios’ disciples, Nestor, sought to demonstrate the power of the true God. With the saint’s blessing, Nestor invoked the assistance of God and defeated the formidable Lyaeus, causing the king to order the execution of both Saint Dimitrios and Nestor. Devout Christians clandestinely buried Saint Dimitrios’ remains at the site of his martyrdom. His tomb became known for emitting a fragrant myrrh, earning him the title “Myrrh-gusher.” Saint Dimitrios’ martyrdom is a significant event in the history of Thessaloniki, second only to the visit of Saint Paul the Apostle and the establishment of the local Church.
The Church of Saint Dimitrios now stands at the location of his tomb, honoring a saint who has performed numerous miracles and intervened in critical moments in the city’s history. He is revered as the Patron saint of Thessaloniki and is deeply intertwined with the city’s heritage.
Source: Church of Cyprus
