October 25
The Example of St. Demetrios
This weekend we celebrate our parish nameday with Great Vespers and Artoklasia on Sunday evening, and with Orthros and Divine Liturgy on Monday morning (see below). Any celebration in the Church always culminates with the Divine Liturgy where we receive the Holy Eucharist, the Body and Blood of Christ. There is no better way to celebrate our Patronal Feast Day, so plan on joining us not only at Great Vespers but also for the Divine Liturgy.
We know a great deal about St. Demetrios. Our narthex is decorated with various scenes from his life and martyrdom. Many churches worldwide have been dedicated to this saint, Demetrios the Great-Martyr. In fact, there are six others in our Metropolis alone! He is a popular saint and a great example of how to stand firm against the prevailing winds that blow us off course. He converted many people, soldiers and civilians alike, to Christ. This dedication and devotion was not allowed by a Roman officer. When Roman authorities discovered he was converting people to Christianity, he was arrested and imprisoned in a Roman public bathhouse in Thessaloniki, where he was speared to death around 306 AD.
St. Demetrios was not merely a soldier, but he was a high-ranking officer in the Roman Legion. Records show that he was of royalty and even retained the title of a Duke. He would no doubt have served in the upper echelon of the military command. Yet, Demetrios found faith in Christ Jesus. He accepted Christ. He was Baptized in Christ. He served Christ. He changed. As such, he knew he could no longer participate in brutal and unjust wars of the Roman Legion. He accepted his path because he was now at peace in Christ.
Because of his conversion, his unwillingness to “worship” the emperor, and his unwillingness to participate in war crimes, Demetrios was persecuted by the Imperial command. His reputation even reached the Roman Emperor himself. Demetrios died a martyr’s death. He knew all along that his conversion would not find favor with the Roman authorities, yet, he stood by his decision to love and to follow the Lord.
It can also be difficult for us to follow Christ and simultaneously live in any secular environment. I am convinced it is not easy in any environment, be it workplace, school, or higher education, because there are "anti-Christian" forces out there. The world is different than the Church. It holds different values, lower moral standards, and a permissive ethic. We need the guidance and counsel of the Church to lead us through these challenging times. We need shining examples of men and women of conviction, like St. Demetrios. These spiritual giants—saints—can help us better understand our identity in Christ, and role as witnesses for the Lord in all places and times, even in our work and society. May almighty God give us the strength and conviction!
