Synaxarium

On this day, the great Saint Demetrius was martyred during the reign of King Maximianus. He was a young devout Christian from the city of Thessaloniki. He acquired much knowledge, especially of the Orthodox Church. He always taught and warned in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, converting many to the faith. They reported him to King Maximianus, who ordered his arrest. At the king's court, there was a strong, large-bodied wrestler who was the pride of his time. The king loved him and boasted of him, even offering a large reward to anyone who could defeat him. A Christian man named Nestor stepped forward and asked Saint Demetrius to pray for him and to lay his holy hand on his body. Saint Demetrius prayed over him and marked him with the sign of the holy cross, which conquers all who rely on it. Then Nestor challenged the strong man and defeated him. The king was saddened and ashamed, wondering how Nestor had overcome him. He asked the soldiers about the secret, and they told him about the man named Demetrius who prayed and marked Nestor's face. The king became angry with the saint and ordered him to be beaten until he would burn incense to his idols and worship them. When he refused, the king ordered him to be pierced with spears until his body was torn and he died. They informed the saint to frighten him, hoping he would renounce the faith and worship idols. He said, "Do as you wish, for I neither worship nor burn incense except to my Lord Jesus, the true God." The soldiers struck him with spears until he gave up his pure spirit. When his holy body was thrown down, some Christians took it and placed it in a marble coffin, keeping it hidden until the persecution ended. Then it was revealed by the one who had it. A great church was built for him in Thessaloniki, and his body was placed there. Many miracles occurred in his name, and every day fragrant oil flowed from his body, healing those who took it faithfully, especially on his feast day when more oil flowed than on any other day, coming from the church walls and columns. Many gathered and all received it by lifting it from the walls and placing it in their vessels. Righteous priests witnessed and testified to this. May his intercession be with us, and to our Lord be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Commemoration of the departure of Pope Gabriel VII, the 95th. May his prayers be with us, and to our Lord be glory forever and ever. Amen.