THREE CHARACTERISTICS OF SAINT DEMETRIUS

In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit:

Dear brothers and sisters:

Wisdom! Attend! Let us listen to the Holy Gospel: Peace be with you all! The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Saint John. Let us attend!

The Great Martyr Demetrius the Myrrh-gusher of Thessalonica had three great traits which distinguished him from other saints, just as the aroma of one flower distinguishes it from another flower.
First — The fact that Saint Demetrius came from a well known family which were rulers of the city with financial resources, as well as recognition and praise from the emperor. He could have become part of the inner circle of the emperor. However Demetrius found all this to be unhealthy in comparison to confessing Christ. So he left all worldly treasure and picked up his cross.
Second unusual trait — Demetrius was a very just leader and was against the killing of Christians. In order to stop the slaughter, before his own death, Great Martyr Demetrius blessed a youth named Nestor to fight the most powerful gladiator of the empire named Lyaeos, a persecutor of Christians. Saint Demetrius believed that Christians, whom believed in one true God, were unjustly ridiculed and persecuted. Even though he knew that these Christians would not be left without a reward, which they would receive in Heaven, he nevertheless put an end to the injustices here on earth.
The Third unusual trait — was that while being assaulted with spears he lifted his right hand. This is how he is depicted on some icons. He did this in order to be pierced in his right side, like Jesus was pierced on His right side. Saint Demetrius wished to confess Jesus by dying in like manner.
Some, maybe suggested that he should pretend as though he was worshiping the idols in order to save his life. “You are so young, why die now?”, but Saint Demetrius was manly and strong in his faith.
It was painful for Saint Demetrius to watch the continuing crucifixion of Christ by the authorities. That His followers, because of fear, were running away from Him. On account of their weak faith, they avoided carrying their own crosses. So he wished to die like Christ, as if to say “Let my pain relieve some of the pain of my Savior”. That pain which did not end when Christ died on Golgotha.
It is fitting to ask ourselves, as we approach the icon of Saint Demetrius, “You at age 21, loved Christ so much? How much do we love Him?” Saint Demetrius help us love God as you loved Him! Amen.

Saint Demetrius Russo-Greek Patriarchal Orthodox Church, Sedediaki, Alberta.

November 8, 2015.