Iconographic story about the Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonicatranslated

The Great Martyr Dmitry of Thessalonica occupies an important place in Christian art. The iconography of his image has changed over seventeen centuries from a martyr-passion-bearer to a warrior-defender and guardian of his native land. In Ancient Rus', his image was especially revered; he was the patron of several Russian princes.

The story of his life begins in Thessaloniki, where he was born and raised during the reign of the great persecutors of Christians, Diocletian and Maximian Herculius. The saint lived at the end of the 3rd - beginning of the 4th centuries, came from a noble patrician family, was a warrior, proconsul of Thessaloniki. His parents were secret Christians, baptized their son in the house church and raised him in accordance with Christian traditions. After the death of his father, Demetrius was appointed by Emperor Galerius in his place. Having received the appointment, he showed himself as an open Christian, preached in the city and converted many of its inhabitants to Christianity.

On the eve of the gladiatorial battles, Maximian ordered the arrest of Demetrius, who was preaching near the stadium. The saint was imprisoned in nearby thermal baths (public baths). Maximian's favorite gladiator Leah, who possessed supernatural strength, was defeated by the young...