St. Demetrius was born in 280 AD in Thessaloniki, a city which was already an important urban centre of the Roman Empire. He was born to a wealthy, noble family and raised Christian. Well-educated, he became a professional public speaker and apologist; his explanations of Christianity brought many converts. He was a ultimately a soldier, deacon and Duke of Thessaly under emperor Maximian.

When Galerius discovered that Demetrius was praying in public places and was openly showing his love for Jesus Christ to others, he ordered that the young man be arrested and locked up in the city prison.

Demetrius spent the last days of his life there with his beloved friend Nestor. The first young Thessalonian to offer his soul to Jesus was St. Nestor; St. Demetrius died after being run through with spears in 306 AD at Sermium (in modern Serbia).

Two churches were built in his honour in the early 5th century, one at Sermium and the other at Thessalonika where some of his relics were enshrined.

During the battle of Thessalonika in 586, he is said to have appeared on a white stallion wearing a white cloak to defend the city.

Western Crusaders later adopted him, together with St George, especially after the battle of Antioch. More than 200 churches in the Balkans are dedicated to him. He is the patron of Belgrade.

His relics are originally housed at Sermium and Thessalonika where they were reported to exude holy oil. A bone relic is reported to still be in a monastery on Mount Athos.

Saint Demetrius’s death would only be the beginning of a tradition that nearly 1700 years later is still alive and flourishing, with millions of people around the world continuing to celebrate and honour his memory.

Other Saints of the Day

1. Saint Egdred of Croyland

2. Saint Waltrude of Mons

3. Saint Brogan

4. Saint Concessus the Martyr

5. Saint Hedda the Abbot