October 27
Nestor the Martyr of Thessaloniki
As mentioned in the account concerning Saint Demetrius (October 26), this Saint contested during the reign of Maximian, in the year 290.
The Example of St. Demetrios
This weekend we celebrate our parish nameday with Great Vespers and Artoklasia on Friday, and with Orthros and Divine Liturgy on Saturday. 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, especially since this year it falls on a Saturday which makes it most convenient.
We know a great deal about St. Demetrios. We also know many churches worldwide have been dedicated to this saint, Demetrios the Great-Martyr. 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. His faith in Christ even as a Roman officer for whom such devotion was not allowed is an inspiration to us in a time when devotion to Christ is frowned upon by certain societal trends and norms.
St. Demetrios 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, at some point 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. Consequently, Demetrios died a martyr’s death in the Roman coliseum. 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 find peace in 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. The world is different than the Church. It holds different values, moral standards, and a unique ethos. 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 and role first as Christians to be witnesses for the Lord in all places and times, even in our work and society.
