Great Martyr
Great Martyr Demetrius the Myrrh-streamer
Saint Demetrius came from a distinguished family in Thessalonica. Orthodox tradition remembers him as a young military officer who confessed Christ during the persecutions of the early fourth century. He taught the faith and gathered young people to study the Scriptures, despite the danger this brought.
Core account checked against Orthodox Synaxarion (Greek). Additional ecclesiastical references appear below.
Life and Witness
A Christian in Thessalonica
Saint Demetrius came from a distinguished family in Thessalonica. Orthodox tradition remembers him as a young military officer who confessed Christ during the persecutions of the early fourth century. He taught the faith and gathered young people to study the Scriptures, despite the danger this brought.
Demetrius and Nestor
Imprisoned for his faith, Demetrius received a visit from the young Christian Nestor before Nestor faced the celebrated fighter Lyaeus. Demetrius blessed him. After Nestor prevailed, the ruler ordered both Christians to be put to death. Demetrius was pierced with spears in his place of imprisonment.
The Myrrh-streamer
The Church remembers the fragrant myrrh associated with his tomb and honors him as the Myrrh-streamer. His feast is October 26, and Thessalonica venerates him as its patron. His icons often show him in military dress, recalling a man whose greatest fidelity was to Christ.
Biographical information on this page is based exclusively on the Orthodox ecclesiastical sources listed below.
Orthodox Synaxarion (Greek)