Life of Dmitry of Thessalonica: short biography, sufferings and miracles of the great martyr + veneration in Rus' and prayers to the saint

Biography of Dmitry Solunsky

The Roman proconsul and his wife living in the Greek city of Thessaloniki (now Thessaloniki) could not conceive a child. Hearing the requests of those praying, the Lord gave them a child. The boy who was born was named Dimitri.

The boy was born during the reign of the god-fighting kings Diocletian and Maximian. His parents, who secretly professed Christianity, ventured to have their son baptized in a small home church. From early childhood, the child was instilled with faith in Jesus Christ. The boy grew up as an obedient and humble child.

After the death of his father, the boy was called to the penate of the ruler Maximian. After talking with the young man, the emperor considered him worthy to take the place of his deceased parent. Having taken a high position, Demetrius began to profess the Christian faith in Thessalonica.

Having learned about the preaching activities of his mentor, the God-fighter Maximian sent an army to Thessalonica, ordering the destruction of all Thessalonica Christians and the arrest of the righteous Demetrius. Not afraid of the imperial wrath, the Christian did not want to renounce his faith, for which he was imprisoned.

Demetrius of Thessalonica faced many trials and difficulties

Emperor Maximian devoted a lot of time to gladiator fights. He had a favorite – a gladiator named Leah. But one day Saint Demetrius blessed a Christian named Nestor for battle. The latter managed to defeat Liem. Having learned about the blessing, the emperor gave the order to kill the gladiator Nestor and the righteous Demetrius. Thus, on November 26, 306, the great martyr died from the spear of an imperial servant. The body of the martyr was thrown out to predators.

After some time, Christians managed to discover and give the earth the remains of Demetrius of Thessalonica.

Miracles of the Great Martyr

Many miraculous healings and unique events are associated with the image and relics of St. Demetrius. Only the most interesting ones have survived to this day.

One day, the temple built in honor of the great martyr in his hometown of Thessaloniki was engulfed in flames. The fire was so strong that the fire melted the silver canopy over the tomb containing the relics. The ruling Archbishop Eusebius at that time decided to restore the cover and the church, but there were not enough funds for the plan. Therefore, he decided to pour the silver throne that had been preserved during the fire onto the canopy.

The holy great martyr appeared to a priest named Dmitry who lived at the temple and asked him to tell the archbishop not to touch the silver throne. Eusebius listened to the words of the presbyter and left the throne intact. Soon a local righteous man named Mina came to the temple and left a donation of 75 pounds of silver. He asked to use the money to restore the shrine. Other residents of Thessaloniki followed his example and brought more silver to the temple of God. Thus, through joint efforts, the cover was restored over the relics.

Basilica of St. Demetrius in Thessaloniki (Greece)

During the reign of the Emperor of Mauritius, the siege of the city of Thessaloniki by the Avars began. One of the attacks was repulsed by Demetrius of Thessalonica himself, who appeared on one of the city walls.

After some time, the Avars launched a new offensive. One of the local residents named Illustri came to pray at the temple of God, where he witnessed a wondrous vision. The Holy Great Martyr appeared in bright sunlight. Next to him were angels who persuaded him to leave the city besieged by enemies. The saint of God refused to leave his native walls.

In the next battle, the large enemy army fled. Illustry told the local residents about what he saw in the temple of God. Demetrius of Thessaloniki began to be called the heavenly patron of the city.

At the end of the siege by the Avars, it turned out that there was practically no bread and other products left in the city. To save residents from hunger, the saint of God appeared on sea ships and changed their course to their hometown.

The ruler of the city of Constantinople, Justinian, sent his envoys to Thessaloniki to obtain the relics of Saint Demetrius and deliver them to the newly erected temple in honor of Sophia the Wisdom of God. The envoys who appeared had barely approached the tomb with the relics when a fiery flame burst out of it. A loud voice was heard within the walls of the temple, forbidding touching the relics of the martyr. The frightened envoys fell to their knees and no longer approached the shrine with the relics.

Many miraculous healings are associated with the face of the great martyr. For example, a certain eparch, who indulged in frequent gluttony, suffered from acute abdominal pain. All the treatments he tried did not work. One day, a saint of God appeared to him in a dream and ordered him to go to church. The eparch who fulfilled the will of the saint was instantly healed.

Many miraculous healings are associated with the face of the great martyr

What does a saint help with?

They pray to the Holy Great Martyr during various life difficulties, in moments of despair and loss of faith. Before the icons and relics of Demetrius of Thessaloniki, you can ask:

getting rid of various ailments;
preserving life in combat confrontations;
the gifts of courage, courage and bravery;
patronage and protection during military service;
maintaining peace and preventing war.

You can read prayers in times of despair and hopelessness. Faith in the Almighty and His saints is capable of working miracles.

What does the icon of Dmitry of Thessalonica help with?

If your faith has weakened, you are overcome by doubts, you do not know where to look for support - turning to the icon of the Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessaloniki helps in resolving these issues.

Saint Demetrius was nicknamed the Myrrh-Streamer, because after his death his relics exuded so much myrrh that they had to put up large stone containers to collect it. They are still kept in the temple. The collected myrrh had healing powers and was distributed to sick people. The glorification of Saint Demetrius was so strong that not only Christians, but also Muslims came for the myrrh, who also considered the myrrh to be a healing remedy.

The icon of Dmitry helps with requests:

about health, especially about getting rid of diseases of the eyes and head;
if military service is difficult, then not only the servicemen themselves pray, but it is important that the relatives of servicemen or those liable for military service participate in the prayer;
if you lack the courage to perform military service;
about preserving life during hostilities, you especially need to turn to Saint Demetrius of Thessalonica for those who serve in hot spots;
about maintaining peace and preventing war.

The fact that the icon really helps is evidenced by several miraculous stories that occurred after Dmitry of Thessaloniki received the crown of martyrdom. One warrior was possessed by demons and could not ask for help on his own. Through the prayers of his friends, a miracle happened. They left the possessed warrior in the temple of the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius for the night. And in the morning they found him completely healthy.

Another story tells about the salvation from starvation of the hometown of Thessalonica, whose patron saint is St. Demetrius of Thessalonica.

The personalized icon of Dmitry will be a wonderful gift and reliable protection not only for believing soldiers, but also for socio-political and government figures

It is important to remember that prayer is not a simple reading of words, and an icon is simply a picture of a saint. Such an attitude will desecrate the image of the icon and no help will be provided. Therefore, in order for a prayer to be heard and not remain unanswered, the words must be spoken from a pure heart and with ardent faith.

Veneration of Demetrius of Thessalonica in Rus'

Demetrius of Thessalonica is especially revered among Orthodox Christians. Temples and monasteries are erected in honor of the great martyr. You can honor the memory and say words of gratitude or petitions in front of images depicting a saint.

Memorial Days

The day of remembrance of Demetrius of Thessaloniki falls on November 8 (according to the old calendar - on October 26). It was on that day that the saint of God was killed.

The Saturday preceding November 8 is called Dmitrievskaya Parental Saturday. On this day, it is customary to read prayers and order memorial services for the deceased.

Memorial Day falls on November 8 (October 26) - the date of death of the saint

Temples in the name of the Great Martyr

Many churches and monuments were erected in honor of the great martyr of God. So, on November 8, 2008 (on the day of remembrance of the saint), a monumental structure of the great warrior was installed in the city of Dmitrov, Moscow region. Demetrius is presented in full growth with a shield and spear in his hands.

5 years later, on November 8, 2013, a monument to the great martyr, who is the heavenly patron of this area, was erected in the city of Kamyshin, Volgograd region.

The most famous temples and monasteries erected in honor of the warrior and martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica include:

Currently operating St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery (Kyiv). According to legend, the founder of the monastery is the first Metropolitan of Kiev, Michael.
Dmitrievsky Cathedral (Vladimir). The monastery of God was built under the leadership of the Grand Duke of Vladimir Vsevolod the Big Nest.
The church was founded in 1381 in Veliky Novgorod.
An Old Believer church built in 1790 in the village of Dobryanka in the Chernihiv region (Ukraine).
Novonekrasovsky Old Believer Church, Krasnodar Territory.
Built in the 1570s, the Lgov Monastery in the Kursk region.

St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery (Kyiv)

Dmitrievsky Cathedral (Vladimir)

Church in Veliky Novgorod

Icons with the face of a saint

Shrines with the image of Demetrius of Thessaloniki are installed in many Orthodox churches and monasteries. The most ancient are considered to be mosaic compositions of the 5th–7th centuries, used in the basilicas of ancient and medieval churches.

Orthodox Christianity presents a large number of iconographic varieties. Most often the saint is depicted as a beardless youth. The young man's forehead is crowned with short straight strands (less often wavy). On some shrines, Demetrius is represented as a young man with a mustache and a short beard. At first, the great martyr was depicted in patrician robes. Later, images in military garb and with weapons began to appear.

Nowadays, the icon of Demetrius of Thessalonica from the pre-Mongol period, which was painted in the 12th century, is considered especially revered. The saint of God is depicted seated on a throne with a crown on his head. In his hands he holds a sword half drawn from its sheath. Currently, the shrine is located in the State Tretyakov Gallery (Moscow).

Christianity presents a large number of iconographic varieties of the image

The meaning of the icon of Dmitry Solunsky

The icon of St. Demetrius of Thessalonica is considered one of the most powerful amulets for warriors in Christianity. On the 12th century icon, Dmitry of Thessalonica sits on a throne, holding a sword in his hands, which in the hands of Dmitry is more likely to mean the word of God, rather than the edged weapon of a warrior. Because he was killed by a brazen death, and not in a fair fight. At the top of the icon on the left, the Lord himself bowed to Saint Demetrius, and on the right is an angel bearing Demetrius the crown of a martyr. The image of the icon of Dmitry of Thessalonica was first brought by the Prince of Novgorod Vsevolod Yuryevich in 1197.

Prayers to the Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica

Holy and glorious Great Martyr of Christ Demetrius, quick helper and warm intercessor of those who flow to you with faith! Standing boldly before the Heavenly King, ask Him for forgiveness of our sins and to free us from the all-destroying plague, cowardice, flood, fire, sword and eternal punishment. Pray for His goodness to show mercy to this city, this monastery (or this temple) and every Christian country. Petition from the King of the Reigns for victory and victory over the enemies, peace, silence, firmness in faith and advancement in piety for the entire Orthodox power; For us, who honor your honorable memory, ask for grace-filled strengthening for good deeds, so that what is pleasing to our Master, Christ God, who works here, may be worthy through your prayers to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven for His eternal glorification with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Amen..

Holy Great Martyr of Christ Demetrius! Standing boldly before the Heavenly King, ask Him for forgiveness of our sins and for us, the accursed (names), to be delivered from the all-destructive plague, fire and eternal punishment. Pray for His goodness to favor this parish (or house) and our temple. Ask us for grace-filled strengthening for good deeds, so that what is pleasing to our Master, Christ God, who works here, may be worthy through Your prayers to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven and there glorify Him, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, forever and ever.

The Holy Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica is especially revered among the military. The saint of God listens to the requests of those praying, protects cities and villages from invasions of enemies and traitors.

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Prayers and akathist to Saint Demetrius of Thessalonica

Troparion and Kontakion Prayers to Saint Demetrius of Thessaloniki Akathist to the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessaloniki Greatness

Troparion and Kontakion to the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica

Troparion, tone 3

You will find a great champion in troubles, the universe, passion-bearing, conquering tongues. Just as you brought down Leah’s pride, and you boldly created Nestor for the feat, so, Saint Demetrius, prayed to Christ God to grant us great mercy.

Kontakion, tone 2

With streams of your blood, Demetrius, God stained the Church, giving you an invincible fortress/ and keeping your city unharmed,/ for this you are the affirmation.

PRAYERS TO THE HOLY GREAT MARTYR DMITRY OF SOLUNSKY

First prayer

Holy and glorious Great Martyr of Christ Demetrius, quick helper and warm intercessor of those who flow to you with faith! Standing boldly before the Heavenly King, ask Him for forgiveness of our sins and to free us from the all-destroying plague, cowardice, flood, fire, sword and eternal punishment. Pray for His goodness to show mercy to this city, this monastery and every Christian country. Seek from the King of the Reigns victory and victory over the enemies of the Orthodox Christians, the entire Orthodox Empire for peace, silence, firmness in faith and advancement in piety; for us, who honor your honorable memory, ask for grace-filled strengthening for good deeds, so that our Lord Christ God works here with grace, we may be worthy through your prayers to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven for His eternal glorification with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Second prayer

Akathist to the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica

How to read the akathist correctly

Kontakion 1

Wonderful governor of the city of Thessaloniki, great servant of Christ and glorious passion-bearer, Saint Demetrius, exuding the worldly mercy of myrrh, praiseworthy we will sing to you who honor your holy memory. You, having boldness towards the Lord, deliver us from all troubles, who faithfully call to you: Rejoice, Saint Demetrius, glorious great martyr and miracle worker.

Ikos 1

The Creator of angels and the Lord of hosts has revealed you, most wonderfully, an Angel in the flesh, a strong martyr and a strong representative of the faithful. Having therefore resorted to your intercession, we bring you the joyful chintz: Rejoice, shining star in the firmament of the church; Rejoice, lamp, illuminating the world with miracles. Rejoice, unshakable pillar of faith; Rejoice, indestructible shield of Christians. Rejoice, bright adornment of Thessaly; Rejoice, Thessalonica, glorious praise. Rejoice, fellow citizen of the apostles; Rejoice, O celestial martyrs. Rejoice, accept the petitions of those who pray to you; Rejoice, pray to God for all of us. Rejoice, Saint Demetrius, glorious great martyr and wonderworker.

Kontakion 2

Seeing yourself childless, your pious parent diligently prayed to God for the gift of a child. The Almighty accepts her prayer, and remembering the alms he has given to the poor, bestows them on you, blessed one. For this reason, with joy, I cried out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 2

Having a Divine mind, as if you were a child of what was given by God, you abhorred pagan charms, wiser. You have loved parental piety, with virtues like a Ladder ascending from strength to strength, you have acquired the grace of God, so ask us who honor you to receive these titles: Rejoice, prayerful vegetation of a pious parent; Rejoice, heir to their piety; Rejoice, you who made many glad by your birth. Rejoice, thou overshadowed by grace from above from the womb; Rejoice, fragrant scent of virginity and incorruption. Rejoice, illuminated by your soul and body; Rejoice, repository of God's gifts. Rejoice, you who despised idolatry from your youth; Rejoice, true worshiper of God, loving even unto death. Rejoice, for through your piety you have pleased Christ. Rejoice, for through His grace you have created much fruit. Rejoice, Saint Demetrius, glorious great martyr and wonderworker.

Kontakion 3

The power of the Most High, Demetrius, is brave in battle, fearful of the enemy, renowned by all people. Likewise, the evil Tsar Maximian handed over to you the city of Thessaloniki, commanding, as if he were so wise, to persecute the Christians who sing to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 3

Having a zeal favorable to piety, you confessed Christ before the unfaithful, the most praiseworthy, and you taught them to believe and worship Him, and as the second Paul was a Thessalonian, with him we cry to you: Rejoice, precious bead of the Church of Christ; Rejoice, decoration of your city. Rejoice, you who bear divine jealousy in your heart; Rejoice, victorious tormentors of deceit. Rejoice, accuser of idolatry charms; Rejoice, you cut the idol's thorns. Rejoice, piety to the teacher; Rejoice, teacher on the path of salvation. Rejoice, unapproachable by visible and invisible enemies; Rejoice, invincible warrior of Christ. Rejoice, Saint Demetrius, glorious great martyr and wonderworker.

Kontakion 4

He was overcome by a storm of evil thoughts, the wicked king was dismayed, having led you, in all honesty, to be a faithful servant of Christ, leading you to faith in Him and casting down idols, teaching the Thessalonians to glorify the Trisagion of God and sing to Him: Alleluia.

Ikos 4

Hearing that Maximian, who was breathing on you with rage, was coming to Thessaloniki, with prayer and fasting you prepared yourself for torment, commanding Luppus, your faithful servant, to squander all your possessions and temporary wealth on the poor. In the same way, in praise and love we call you: Rejoice, you who did not fear the petitions of the tormentor; Rejoice, that you have gained Christ, you who are all wasted. Rejoice, thou who imputed the vain glory of this world into one’s mind; Rejoice, having received heavenly glory from Christ our God. Rejoice, for you have compassion for everyone who requires help from you; Rejoice, quick intercessor to those in need. Rejoice, enricher of the poor; Rejoice, representative of the orphans. Rejoice, helper to the poor; Rejoice, hungry feeder. Rejoice, Saint Demetrius, glorious great martyr and wonderworker.

Kontakion 5

Be like the most godly star, Demetrius, you boldly preached the Sun of Truth through darkness to the possessed king. In prison, imprisoned by him, you glorified Christ our God in it, as in the bright devil, singing to Him with joy: Alleluia.

Ikos 5

Seeing the flow of good, the hater of the devil, the blessed one who has passed away, consumed by envy, rushes at you in the form of a scorpion. Having trampled upon him, you saw in the great lordship the Angel of the Lord, strengthening you and giving you the crown of heaven, therefore accept from us earthly a small crown of praise: Rejoice, trumpet, who proclaimed Christ God to the unfaithful; Rejoice, flute, who delights the hearing of the faithful; Rejoice, for with your courage you have rejoiced the inhabitants of heaven. Rejoice, comforted in a darker prison by the holy Angel; Rejoice, most luminous palace in Heaven, like a martyr who inherited it. Rejoice, thou who conquered the fleshless enemies in the flesh; Rejoice, treacherous of them, like one who destroys a spider. Rejoice, the bright end of victory has been accepted; Rejoice, crowned with the crown of the King of Glory. Rejoice, thou who hast been granted deep grace from him; Rejoice, great boldness to him who has acquired it. Rejoice, Saint Demetrius, glorious great martyr and wonderworker.

Kontakion 6

The preacher of evil, Maximian, rejoiced, as his mighty fighter Leah killed Christians. Blessed Nestor, not tolerating that inhumanity, asked you, martyr, for a blessing, and went overthrown him to the spear, singing to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 6

Having shone forth in Thessalonica the enlightenment of truth, holy one, you sent Nestor to the Lord through beating from the wicked. You yourself, by the command of the king, were gored with spears for Christ, before Him remember us too, who remember your suffering and cry out to you: Rejoice, having strengthened Nestor with your prayers at the deposition of Nestor; Rejoice, for after the death of Leah, you suffered martyrdom together with Nestor. Rejoice, for for the sake of the One who was pierced on the cross, you were gored with spears; Rejoice, escorted into heaven with glory by an angel after death. Rejoice, dwell in the unflickering light with your soul; Rejoice, rejoice with the martyrs and all the saints. Rejoice, protection of those who sing songs; Rejoice, prayer book for those who honor your holy memory. Rejoice, Saint Demetrius, glorious great martyr and wonderworker.

Kontakion 7

Although blessed Lupus received a blessing from you, the passion-bearer of Christ, after your death he took your ring and a robe dipped in your blood, and having performed many miracles and healings with them, he was beheaded, and he sang together with you and Nestor in Trinity to the glorified God: Alleluia .

Ikos 7

By building a new temple for you, Leontius, who was healed by you, will find in the land your holy relics, exuding myrrh, whose fragrance filled the whole city and healed many sick people. In the same way, heal and sweeten us, who cry out to you: Rejoice, having loved the fragrance of virtues from youth; Rejoice, angelic disposition acquisitive from infancy. Rejoice, vessel of grace; Rejoice, temple of purity and purity. Rejoice, for the Lord has made an abode in you with the Father and the Spirit; Rejoice, for you have glorified Your relics with the incorruptibility of grace. Rejoice, fragrant myrrh flows from those; Rejoice, grant sanctification and healing to those. Rejoice, for you are more fragrant than spikenard and myrrh; Rejoice, for with your fragrance you drive away the stench of passions. Rejoice, you who sanctified your land and clothes with your blood; Rejoice, heal our mental and physical wounds with your wounds. Rejoice, Saint Demetrius, glorious great martyr and wonderworker.

Kontakion 8

You created a strange and wondrous miracle, most wonderfully, when your temple builder returned home, he received the shroud from your holy relics, and passed the wavering and high-water river without getting wet. With your heart and lips sing to the God who is glorified in you: Alleluia.

Ikos 8

All burning with love and zeal for you, Leontius the second, in your holy honor, created a temple in Illyria, his fatherland, and there, as in Thessaloniki, many sick and suffering from unclean spirits were healed by your prayers, and many other miracles were performed. And we, marveling at you, cry out: Rejoice, strong intercessor of those who glorify you with love; Rejoice, wonderful protection for those who build temples in your name. Rejoice, health to the giver; Rejoice, healer of ailments. Rejoice, you direct the flow of blood; Rejoice, Eparch Marina, free from scabs and pus. Rejoice, with your clothes, like Paul of the Ubrists, you worked miracles; Rejoice, who showed the way to Leonty on the river. Rejoice, for the rapids of the river obey you; Rejoice, for the souls of malice flee from those who call on your name. Rejoice, for through your intercession we too hope to be preserved from the slander of the enemy; Rejoice, for through your intercession we also believe that we will be delivered from the flood of other troubles. Rejoice, Saint Demetrius, glorious great martyr and wonderworker.

Kontakion 9

Every angelic nature was amazed, Saint Demetrius, at your great boldness. I want to betray Thessaloniki to the Lord as an enemy, and by the appearance of an angel, I commanded you to leave the city, but you did not leave that glorious one. Having also been vouchsafed a terrible vision and hearing, Illustration tremblingly exclaimed: Alleluia.

Ikos 9

The many-prophesied oracles will not be able to understand, like sometimes captive virgins, your image, the holy one who captured them by sewing the prince, who suddenly praised you, and placed a vigil in your memory at your tomb, blessing the Lord for you, with tenderness we call to you: Rejoice, for the truth on earth, even suffering to the point of bleeding; Rejoice, you who boldly present yourself in heaven to the throne of God. Rejoice, you who are useful from there and send to the faithful; Rejoice, free those who call you from troubles. Rejoice, for you quickly help those who are embittered; Rejoice, for the Lord graciously listens to your prayers. Rejoice, inexhaustible storehouse of miracles; Rejoice, inexhaustible source of signs. Rejoice, liberator of the captives; Rejoice, tamer of barbaric insolence. Rejoice, send consolation to the sad; Rejoice, give joy to those who mourn. Rejoice, Saint Demetrius, glorious great martyr and wonderworker.

Kontakion 10

To save your city from famine, you appeared, Demetrius, in the sea shelters and fathers, commanding those who had wheat to sail with it to Thessaloniki. Moreover, having been delivered from death by you, I give thanks to God for you: Alleluia.

Ikos 10

You have appeared to your city as an indestructible wall, God-wise, and an invincible protector to all who call on you, so the Creator of heaven and earth has been kind to you. In the same way, teach us to invite you: Rejoice, great lover of mercy; Rejoice, compassionate caretaker of the needy. Rejoice, you who save the faithful from famine; Rejoice, remove those tongues from the invasion. Rejoice, you who have delivered many of Thessalonians from the bonds of bitter labor; Rejoice, you removed destructive ulcers and other harm from them. Rejoice, commander, overcome by no one in courage; Rejoice, warrior, who is no longer depleted in strength. Rejoice, all who rush towards your city, like Moses, overthrow Amalek; Rejoice, as Sampson, drive away the foreigners. Rejoice, thou who grant victory to the faithful tsar over their enemies. Rejoice, help us as a Christ-loving warrior in battle. Rejoice, Saint Demetrius, glorious great martyr and wonderworker.

Kontakion 11

All singing is overcome, O great praise, before the radiance of your glory and the greatness of your miracles. When King Justinian desired to have part of your relics in the Sophia Temple, fire came from your tomb against those sent from him, forbidding them to touch your race. In the same surprise and fear, I cried out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 11

A shining star, to those who exist in the darkness of unreason, we see you, holy one. I serve Onesiphorus at your tomb with the darkness of sacrilege, and by your double appearance I forbade him to steal the candles lit by the faithful of your relics. For this reason, we call to you with reverence: Rejoice, you who lived holy before your martyrdom; Rejoice, thou who became glorified at the end of miracles. Rejoice, for you rest alive in the city with your relics; Rejoice, for you are the one who brings miracles to life. Rejoice, for you dissolve the truth with mercy; Rejoice, for you are burning with the fire of jealousy for the glory of God. Rejoice, having your holy relics inviolable; Rejoice, those who dare touch them like lightning that burns. Rejoice, you who teach those who sin; Rejoice, punisher of blasphemers. Rejoice, you diligently bestow sanctification on those who reverence you; Rejoice, fragrance with peace those who honor you faithfully. Rejoice, Saint Demetrius, glorious great martyr and wonderworker.

Kontakion 12

You have received grace, Demetrius, to heal every ailment and every illness in people. Grant healing to our souls and bodies, so that we may sing thanks to God, who has given you a helper and healer: Alleluia.

Ikos 12

Singing your miracles, we please you, most miraculously, having boldly confessed Christ God before the wicked, we glorify your martyrdom, we honor your memory, and we bring you joyful calico: Rejoice, zealous follower of the feet of Christ the Savior of all; Rejoice, let us passionately follow his courageous imitator. Rejoice, glorify God with heavenly powers; Rejoice, pray with the Queen of heaven and earth for peace. Rejoice, thou who grantest blessing to the faithful with a multi-healing world; Rejoice, healing those who are weakened in body and spirit. Rejoice, Saint Demetrius, glorious great martyr and wonderworker.

Kontakion 13

O holy great martyr and faithful servant of Christ, Demetrius the myrrh-streamer, having received this little hymn from us, pray to Christ our God that the shrine of the Orthodox faith may dwell and be fragrant in our hearts, may the oil of good deeds multiply in our lives, may our lamps not go out at midnight the hour of meeting the Heavenly Bridegroom, and may we be honored with you to sing to Him in the eternal Kingdom: Alleluia.

(This kontakion is read three times, then ikos 1st and kontakion 1st)

Ikos 1

Kontakion 1