Demetrios was a Christian and the son of the military commander of Thessalonica in the early fourth century. When his father died, Demetrios was appointed by Emperor Maximian to follow him. Maximian charged Demetrios to persecute and kill the Christians in that city. Instead, Demetrios preached Christianity. Maximian heard of this, and when he went to Thessalonica, he summoned Demetrios. Demetrios confessed his belief as well as his disgust for the idols. He was imprisoned, and knowing his fate, he had his servant Lupus give his wealth to the poor. An angel of God appeared to Demetrios, saying "Peace be with thee, thou sufferer for Christ; be brave and strong!". At this time, the gladiatorial games were being held in the city. A gladiator named Lyaeus openly challenged anyone to fight him in the arena.
A youth by the name of Nestor, who was a Christian and friend of Demetrios, came to him in his prison cell and asked Demetrios for his blessing to fight Lyaeus in the arena. Demetrios granted this, and Nestor presented himself in the stadium stating that the God of Demetrios would give him victory. Nestor defeated Lyaeus, which so enraged Maximian that he had Nestor beheaded on the spot, and ordered Demetrios killed also. Soldiers came into Demetrios's cell and killed him with spears. Christians buried him, and his relics began producing healing fragrant myrrh. A small church was built over his relics, which was later replaced by a much larger church. Saint Demetrios's feast day is October 26.
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