What is a patron saint? We have one, Saint Demetrios. However, do we really ever consider our relationship with our patron saint? Yes, it is a relationship.
A patron saint is a holy person to whose protection and intercession a person, a church, or a place is dedicated. The choice is often made on the basis of some real or presumed relationship with the persons or places involved. Even if we are unaware of how that relationship started, it nonetheless is developed. As with any relationship, it can be nurtured. And, the relationship is mutual. It is about the patronage of St. Demetrios as well as our specific devotion to him.
We are less than two weeks away from our Patronal Feast, that is, the celebration of St. Demetrios the Great-Martyr and Myrrh-Streamer, Patron Saint of our parish. We are richly blessed and quite fortunate to have accomplished what we have here in Williamsburg—to build this church and grow this community. Last March, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros expressed his amazement of what we, so few and a small community, have accomplished.
Of course, many individuals deserve a lot of gratitude for their sacrifices and gifts. But not the least of whom is the great martyr and saint who watches over us, our patron saint. Let us in turn show our gratitude and reverence to him in liturgy.
Come on Saturday, October 26th to the Divine Liturgy at 10 a.m. and offer St. Demetrios a prayer of praise and thanks for his oversight and care. Humbly ask for his continuing guidance and protection.
Following the Divine Liturgy, join us for a luncheon. This will be a special luncheon because in this his final year of service to the Church, Fr. Martin Ritsi, the Executive Director of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) will be our guest and speak to us about the glorious happenings in the field of missions.
There will be no charge for the lunch. There will be a special educational program for our youth. And all of us stand to learn a great deal about the Church worldwide, from Africa to Albania, from Guatemala to Indonesia. Come and see while enjoying good food and fellowship under the watchful eye of the holy great martyr Demetrios.