Patronal feast in the Church of Demetrius of Thessalonicatranslated

On Sunday, November 8, on the day of remembrance of the Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica, Metropolitan Theodosius of Samara and Novokuibyshevsk led the liturgy of the patronal feast day in the church of the same name in the village. Dry Vyazovka. Demetrius, the son of secret Christians, inherited from his father not only the high position of governor of Thessalonica, but also deep faith. Instead of carrying out the order of Emperor Maximian Galerius to eradicate Christianity, he turned his activities to spreading Christianity among the population. Soon the ruler became aware of his governor’s Christian affiliation and he decided to personally deal with the situation in Thessalonica. Demetrius, anticipating his death, distributed his property to those in need, and prepared for a meeting with the emperor through fasting and prayer. At this time, the ruler organized gladiatorial fights, where Christians were sent to the arena. One of these Christians, Nestor, blessed by Demetrius, defeated the famous gladiator Leah, but was himself executed.

Shortly thereafter, on November 8, 306, Demetrius was pierced with spears by order of the emperor, and his body was left to be torn to pieces by wild beasts. However, the city residents secretly buried the saint. Later, a church was erected over his grave.…