🔸ꜱᴀɪɴᴛ ᴅᴇᴍᴇᴛʀɪᴜꜱ ♱🔸
One of the most revered saints, Saint Demetrius, of the Orthodox Christian Church and the patron saint of Thessaloniki, where he was born, lived, and was martyred. His feast day is celebrated on October 26, and on November 8 for those following the Julian Calendar.
Born around 280 during Emperor Maximian's reign, Demetrius came from an aristocratic family and became a centurion at just 22. He embraced Christianity, becoming a passionate preacher and teaching his disciples in underground chambers near public baths.
Captured for his faith, Demetrius refused to renounce it, telling Maximian, “I believe only in my Christ.” This led to his imprisonment. Meanwhile, one of his disciples, Nestor, challenged the formidable wrestler Lyaeus in the emperor’s games, defeating and killing him. Enraged, Maximian ordered both Nestor and Demetrius executed.
Demetrius was buried at the site of his martyrdom, where a significant church was later built. He is closely associated with Thessaloniki, regarded as its protector against various invaders. The liberation of the city on his feast day in 1912 is viewed as a miracle.
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