St. Demetrios, the patron saint of Thessalonica, was born around
280 A.D. Being of high social standing, he was, although quite young,
granted corresponding high military and political positions. When
not engaged in these duties, he would often teach Christianity to the young
people of Thessalonica. During the time of the persecution
of Christians by Emperor Docletian in the early fourth century, St. Demetrios
was arrested and imprisoned by Galerius, the eastern co-regent. When
games were being held in Galerius' honor in Thessalonica, St. Demetrios
commissioned one of his students, Nestor, to accept the challenge of Galerius'
personal gladiator, Lyaeus. Through the prayers of the Saint, Nestor
quickly dispatched the huge gladiator, thus bringing down the wrath of
Galerius upon St. Demetrios. St. Demetrios was ordered to be killed
by the sword as was Nestor a few days later. In the icon it
is St. Demetrios who is depicted as the one defeating Lyaeus.
Photo by John Washinsky
Text by the Ken Mitchel Family
