Feast of St Demetrios the Myrrh-streamer, 26 October
The post marks the feast of St Demetrios the Myrrh-streamer on 26 October. It recounts his life: born to a Christian family in Thessaloniki, he rose to high rank under Emperor Maximian, a persecutor of Christians. Demetrios taught Christ openly in the city, was arrested and imprisoned.
From his cell he blessed Nestor, a young Christian who defeated the emperor's champion gladiator Lyaeus. In fury, Maximian ordered Demetrios put to death around AD 306; he was pierced with spears. Centuries later, fragrant myrrh began to flow from his tomb, earning him the title Myrrh-streamer.
He remains the beloved protector of Thessaloniki. The post concludes with a prayer to the saint and name-day greetings to those named Demetrios, Dimitris, Dimitra, and variants.
Main points
- St Demetrios was a high-ranking officer in Thessaloniki who confessed Christ openly under Emperor Maximian.
- He blessed Nestor, who defeated the gladiator Lyaeus, leading to Demetrios's martyrdom by spears around AD 306.
- Fragrant myrrh later flowed from his relics, giving him the title Myrrh-streamer.
- He is the patron saint and protector of Thessaloniki.
- The post includes a prayer and name-day wishes for those bearing his name.