The date of birth of the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica is not exactly known, but he was born at the end of the 3rd century AD. in a noble and well-born family of the Roman proconsul, otherwise - the governor of the emperor in the Thessalonian province. Its center, Thessalonica, in the Slavic sound of Thessalonica, was founded on the Halkidiki peninsula in northern Greece, on the site of this ancient city is now the modern city of Thessaloniki.
It was a time when Rome, with its paganism and dissolute life, cruel amusements, the moral debauchery of the aristocratic elite and the constant waging of wars of conquest, inevitably went to extinction and decay. And the clearer was the agony of the empire, the more despotic and hard-hearted became the persecution of the followers of the Christian faith. Despite the persecution, the widespread extermination through painful executions of the first Christian martyrs, which, looking from the outside, should turn everyone away from the desire to accept faith in the One God, Christianity grew with more and more new members of the Lord's Church. The spiritual crisis turned the anger of the Roman rulers into the madness of the doomed, and Christianity, the power and glory of the Lord, already penetrated not only the hearts of the common people, but also the Roman nobility. So the family of the Roman proconsul, where the son Demetrius was born, secretly professed Christianity. In the house church of the proconsul, hidden from everyone, the boy was baptized and, growing up, received instructions in the faith from his parents.
Saint Demetrius was well educated and, like all Roman children from high-ranking families, was called up early for military service. Shortly after the young men reached adulthood, the father passed away. Emperor Galerius Maximian, who in 305 occupied the imperial throne, called the young man to him, talked with him, saw that he was well educated, knowledgeable in the affairs of the Thessalonian province, and therefore put him in his father's place. Maximian did not know one thing - he exalted the secret Christian. The main tasks that he set for the young proconsul were to protect the lands entrusted to him from the barbarians, most of whom were Slavic tribes who settled in Chalkidiya. The emperor's demand regarding the fate of Christians sounded uncompromisingly: "Put to death everyone who calls on the name of the Crucified." The new proconsul acted initially with the opposite intention. He not only did not exterminate Christians and did not hinder them in anything, but encouraged them in every possible way. The first compiler of the Lives of the Saints, the Byzantine writer and statesman Simeon Metaphrastus, who lived at the end of the 10th century, wrote that Saint Demetrius became for Thessalonica "the second Apostle Paul", since before that it was the Apostle Paul who had been the first founder of the community of believers in Thessalonica back in I century, as evidenced by his paternal Epistles to the Thessalonians.
So the newly appointed proconsul, instead of leading a mass extermination of the followers of Christ in Thessaloniki, contributed to their growth, fearlessly preaching frankly, and converted many, because he had the power of sincere faith and the gift of spiritual conviction given by God. Of course, he understood that in those conditions such a situation could not last long, even taking into account his status, and he was ready in advance to suffer for the faith, for Christ, but, like all Christian martyrs, he thought about it with joy. , unknown to any of the living, whose heart has not yet accepted the Lord unconditionally and with all spiritual fullness.
Soon, Maximian was informed about the unacceptable for Rome actions of the proconsul in Thessalonica in defense of Christianity and the success of his deeds. At that time, the emperor ended his military campaign in the Black Sea region, but, extremely angry, did not move to Rome, but decided to go through Thessaloniki in order to interrogate and punish the rebellious governor himself, and also to massacre newly converted Christians.
Saint Demetrius found out about this and, in anticipation of the arrival of Maximian, ordered his faithful servant Lupp to distribute all his property to the needy and the poor, and at the same time he said: “Divide the wealth of the earth among them - we will seek for ourselves the wealth of heaven.” After this command, the saint began preparations for his future martyrdom, strengthening his spirit with prayer and fasting.
Entering Thessalonica, Maximian ordered that the former proconsul be brought to him, and he, appearing before him, did not hide, but openly admitted that he confessed Christ, and also declared without fear that the Roman worship of many idols is destructive, and those who follow it, doomed in the future to the torment of eternal darkness. The emperor became even more angry and ordered that Saint Demetrius be thrown into prison, and he himself ordered that gladiator fights be ordered, but not only to entertain his soul, spoiled by unbelief and villainy. He staged this cruel performance in order to destroy all the Thessalonica Christians in such a way, and in public, so that in the future it would be repulsive for anyone to follow the faith that Saint Demetrius preached. He gathered all the male Christians and put his best strong man, a German named Liy, to fight with them. Liu had no equal in strength and fighting skill, and, to the delight of Maximian, the Christians of Thessalonica, one after another, fell lifeless from the platform built for a cruel spectacle. If they were still alive and fell, unable to stay on the edge of the battlefield, then they ended up on the spears of the soldiers placed around the platform.
While Saint Demetrius was in prison, the Lord sent His Angel to him, who consoled and strengthened the spiritual strength of the martyr. In addition, God gave the saint another consolation as evidence that his name would not be forgotten by the Lord. Among the Christians there was a brave young man whose name was Nestor. No one would have thought that, fragile in appearance, he would be able to defeat a German strongman in a one-on-one battle. However, before the fight, Nestor entered the dungeon to Demetrius and asked for his blessing to fight Leah. The saint blessed him with the name of God, and a miracle happened: in an unequal battle, Nestor, with a prayer on his lips, defeated the gladiator, wise by the gloomy experience of killing, and he, like those killed by him, fell from the platform directly onto the spears of the soldiers standing around.
Maximian flew into an unspeakable fury, immediately executed the Christian victor, whose memory we now celebrate on the day after the celebration of the memory of St. Demetrius of Thessaloniki - October 27 / November 9, and then sent guards to Demetrius in prison, who pierced him with spears, who blessed Nestor for a feat. It was October 26, 306 according to the Julian calendar. Then, except for the Lord, no one knew that in 4 years, in 310, Emperor Constantine the Great, the first emperor - the protector of Christians, would defeat Maximian's army near Massalia (now Marseilles in southern France). With that victory of the holy Equal-to-the-Apostles King Constantine over Maximian's son Maxentius on the Tiber in 312, an era of development and worldwide spread of Christianity will begin, the end of which is not foreseen even today.
Maximian ordered that the remains of St. Demetrius be given over to be eaten by wild beasts, so that nothing would remind of his existence, but the surviving Christians secretly carried them out of the place of execution and buried them according to custom. Before the body of the holy great martyr was interred, his faithful servant, Saint Lupp, collected drops of his holy blood on a cloth, removed the imperial ring, a sign of power, from Saint Demetrius’s hand, dipped it in the blood, and then, by the will of God, healed many from various diseases with that ring. ailments. Having learned about such healings, Maximian did not leave Lupp alive either.
Later, under the holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Constantine the Great, a church was erected over the resting place of the holy Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica, by order of the king. A hundred years later, the church fell into disrepair, in its place they began to build a large beautiful church, and the newly acquired relics of the saint, to the great surprise and joy of everyone, incorruptible, were solemnly laid in a shrine. In the 7th century, a fire broke out in the temple, after which the precious shrine was lost, but the relics were preserved, remaining still incorrupt.
Now, a huge number of pilgrims from all over the Christian world flock to the relics of the Thessalonica great martyr and confessor of the faith Demetrius. They come here to pray to the saint and worship him with gratitude for his feat to the glory of God.
Later, in the period of the early Middle Ages, more than once attempts were made to transfer the holy remains of Demetrius of Thessalonica to Constantinople, but the saint mysteriously expressed his will to remain in the city, which he took forever under his heavenly guardianship. However, in the 12th-13th centuries, at a time when Thessaloniki temporarily became part of the Latin lands, the relics of the saint were taken to Italy and for some time were considered lost. Only in 1520 the relics of St. Demetrius of Thessalonica were rediscovered in the abbey of the city of San Lorenzo in Campo.
The remains of the saint were returned to Thessaloniki only at the end of the last century: in 1978 - the honest head of the saint, and other relics - in 1980. Moreover, the holy martyr Demetrius was not completely released from Italy - there were still six large particles of his honest relics. In Baptized Russia, they have long sought to somehow acquire the smallest particles of the remains of the saint, his clothes, the world from his tomb, which is why, as a result of these works, such shrines from St. Demetrius of Thessalonica are stored in many ancient monasteries and churches.
In early history, the pagan tribes of the Slavs often attacked Thessalonica Thessalonica, and, according to the surviving testimonies, they repeatedly saw how a bright young man, like an angel, but with a formidable face, walked around the city walls. This sight terrified the attackers, and they retreated in trepidation. It is possible that, among other things, when the Baptism of the Slavic lands took place, the memory of those raids and the Divine vision that appeared to our pagan ancestors became the reason that Saint Demetrius of Thessalonica found special reverence in Orthodoxy.
What a miracle happened
According to the records of St. Demetrius of Rostov, who took the records of Demetrius Chrysologist from the 14th century as a source of information, from the 7th century until the fire that destroyed the shrine with the relics of the saint, and, as mentioned above, the relics remained incorrupt and were then placed in a marble tomb, from which an unusual myrrh-streaming began . Myrrh, in the form of oil flowing from the shrine, was so fragrant and miraculous that they began to call the holy martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica Myrrh-streaming. However, John Skylitsa, a Byzantine historian-chronographer, was the first to leave written evidence that myrrh-streaming from the tomb began in 1040. Miro was collected in ampoules, used in the treatment of the most serious ailments, and not only Orthodox, but also Muslims believed in his healing power and experienced it on themselves.
From the 14th century, the outflow of the world from the tomb stopped, but the outflow of the world-water began from the well in the crypt (the vaulted room under the altar part of the temple). In the 15th century, after the disappearance of the relics, when they later ended up in Italy, it ceased.
Today, myrrh-streaming has not been recorded, but at Vespers on the eve of the day of remembrance of the holy shrine, they open the shrine and distribute to the believers who came to worship pieces of cotton wool soaked in fragrant myrrh, which, however, is not considered identical to the world that flowed from the shrine centuries ago.
In addition, there are two Collections, which set out stories about the miracles of Demetrius of Thessalonica. The first was created in the 7th century by the Archbishop of Thessaloniki John, and 15 miracles are attested in it. The Second Collection is kept in Paris, its author is unknown, since the first sheet with his name and the beginning of the notes has been lost, but it is clear from the text that the author was a native of Thessalonica. In total, 6 miracles are mentioned in the Assembly, and all of them are related to the protection of the city from barbarian attacks.
We will cite some of the miracles set forth in Collection I.
In 412-413 AD, a nobleman named Leontius built a church in Thessalonica in honor of his miraculous deliverance from paralysis. During construction, the relics of St. Demetrius of Thessalonica were found. Returning to his homeland in Illyria, Leonty took with him a shroud with the saint's blood in order to build another temple in honor of the saint at home. There, with the help of prayer and the blood of the saint, he helped the ruler of Illyria heal from a serious illness.
One day the saint appeared to the presbyter of his native holy city and promised to take care of his native city and its inhabitants. When enemies attacked Thessaloniki, the townspeople prepared for death. On the seventh day of the siege, the enemies retreated. It turns out that the opponents saw a man shining with fire, he was wearing white clothes, and he was sitting on a snow-white horse. Behind him, a huge army appeared, which rushed at them and forced them to flee from fear. So Saint Demetrius of Thessalonica protected his native city from destruction, and then he saved the townspeople from starvation by sending ships with wheat to Thessalonica.
Somehow, two Thessalonica girls were captured by the king of one of the barbarian tribes. When he found out where they were from, he demanded that they embroider the face of Saint Demetrius for him, and for refusing he threatened them with death. When the canvas was ready, the girls began to cry and began to ask the saint for forgiveness, because they knew that the king needed the image for desecration. So they fell asleep, and the next morning they found themselves at home in their native Thessalonica.
In addition to the miracles described in the Lives of the Saints by Dimitry of Rostov, there are many other testimonies of the saint's intercession.
The Miracle of the One Who Had Bleeding tells of a military commander who had stomach bleeding. The treatment did not help, being near death, he asked to be taken to the church of St. Demetrius of Thessalonica. There he immediately felt better, he recovered.
When the plague hit Thessaloniki, many people died. Only those who went one night to pray at the temple survived. The miracle “About the Plague” tells us about this.
The miracle of "About the Demons" reflects the story of a warrior who lost his mind. They seemed to be possessed by demons. He was taken by force to the temple and locked in it for the whole night. The next morning people were met by a completely healthy person.
Thessalonica was repeatedly attacked. Thanks to the intercession of the saint, the invaders were defeated. Once a townsman wrote the name of St. Demetrius of Thessalonica on a stone and threw it at the enemies besieging the city. This stone collided with another, and both of them flew into the barbarian catapult and destroyed it. Another time, it seemed to the attackers that the walls of the fortress had collapsed from an earthquake, they rushed to rob the surviving buildings, but the wall again stood in front of them, and a hail of arrows from the defenders of Thessalonica fell from it.
One of the miracles was the conversion of a pagan to a Christian. One master built an efficient war machine. At night, Saint Demetrius of Thessalonica appeared to him and struck him in the face. The master fled to the mountains, and when he came to his senses, he converted to Christianity.
At the beginning of the 13th century, the Bulgarians set out to capture Thessaloniki. Tsar Kaloyan needed the relics of St. Demetrius of Thessalonica. On the night before the assault, his army camped under the walls of the city to rest. In a dream, Kaloyan saw a warrior on a white horse, who approached and hit him with a spear. The king woke up in pain, there was a wound on his chest. Before his death, he managed to tell about his vision. His army fled in horror away from Thessalonica.
The meaning of the icon and the veneration of the saint in Orthodoxy
On the icon of the Kuznetsov letter, the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica is depicted as a beardless young man with a cross - a symbol of the confession of Christ's faith - in his right hand and a sword and shield - the sign of a warrior-defender - in his left. This list goes back in attributes to the image of the XV century. We note right away that in Catholicism, despite the veneration of the saint there, it is not as wide as in Orthodoxy. There are many more images in Eastern iconography, and they are more diverse.
Since the 11th century, the icons of the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica (Thessaloniki) show the young man not as a martyr in Roman clothes, but as a warrior in Byzantine armor, in his right hand a spear is depicted as a sign that he pierced the pagan spirit. In Bulgaria, the veneration of St. Demetrius of Thessalonica is almost equal to the veneration of the heavenly patron of this country - St. George the Warrior, and on one of the Bulgarian icons of the 19th century, St. Demetrius is depicted as a horseman with a spear, defeating Tsar Kaloyan, who besieged Thessalonica at the beginning of the 11th century. The later icons also depicted a scroll with an inscription-prayer offered, according to legend, by the saints themselves about his city: “Lord, do not destroy the city and people. If you save the city and people, I will be saved with them, if you destroy it, I will die with them.
From the first years of Christianity, the pages of the earliest Russian chronicles have been linked with the name of the saint depicted on the icon. In the annals of Elder Nestor about the feat of the Prophetic Oleg, who defeated the Greeks near Constantinople and nailed his shield "over the gates of Constantinople", it is said: "... the Greeks were afraid and said: this is not Oleg, but Saint Demetrius was sent to us from God." In the epic folk art of Russia, Saint Demetrius is sung as Russian by birth - this saint is so close to the Russian spirit, the Russian people.
Just as early, almost immediately after the Baptism of Russia, church veneration of the saint begins. The day of his memory in ancient times was one of the largest church holidays, and in Baptized Russia, many kings and princes - Yaroslav the Wise, John the Terrible, Alexei the Quietest and many others named their heirs by the name of Dimitri in order to strengthen the heavenly connection with the patron saint of warriors with a high namesake - defenders of the Motherland. This veneration was reinforced by church buildings - monasteries, small and large churches in honor of the great martyr, and magnificent examples of Russian Orthodox iconography. In Kiev, in the second half of the 11th century, the son of Yaroslav the Wise, Grand Duke Izyaslav, in Baptism Demetrius, founded and built the Demetrius Monastery, later it was renamed the Mikhailov-Golden-domed Monastery. Now the surviving mosaic icon from the monastery is kept in the Tretyakov Gallery.
At the end of the 12th century, Grand Duke Vsevolod III the Big Nest, the son of Prince Yuri Dolgoruky, also in Baptism Dimitri, according to the chronicle, in Vladimir "created a beautiful church in the courtyard of his holy martyr Dimitri and decorated it marvelously with icons and scriptures." The miraculous icon of St. Demetrius of Thessalonica, which was in the iconostasis of the Assumption Cathedral of the ancient city, is also now in the State Tretyakov Gallery. In the same cathedral, another shrine in honor of St. Demetrius of Thessalonica has been preserved - on one of the pillars of the temple, a fresco with his image by Andrey Rublev has been preserved.
Saint Demetrius was also especially venerated in the family of the Right-Believing Prince Alexander Nevsky, who gave the name Demetrius in honor of the Great Martyr to his eldest son, while his younger son, the Holy Right-believing Daniel of Moscow, the heavenly patron of our capital, at the end of the 13th century erected in honor of the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius Thessalonsky temple is the first stone temple of the Moscow Kremlin, which was dismantled under Ivan Kalita, and the Assumption Cathedral was erected in its place.
Unforgettable and indescribable is the significance of the veneration of the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica and everything that was created for the glory of his honorable name, at the same time as the veneration of Demetrius of the Don, Prince of Moscow. From the “Word on the Life and Repose of the Grand Duke Dimitri Ivanovich, Tsar of Russia” it is known that Prince Dimitri Donskoy “greatly grieved about the churches of God, and held the country of the Russian land with his courage: he defeated many enemies who stood up to us and the glorious city of his Moscow fenced with miraculous walls. “Wonderful walls” are white-stone walls with which he protected the Moscow Kremlin at the time of his reign, which is why from the 14th century Moscow began to be nicknamed White-stone, and in all virtuous and pious works his high assistant and spiritual mentor from God was the heavenly patron of the righteous prince - Holy Great Martyr and Warrior Demetrius of Thessalonica.
Dmitrievskaya parental Saturday
On Saturday of the week (in our modern understanding of the week), the previous one before Dmitriev's Day, Dmitriev's parental Saturday is celebrated, associated with the names of both Demetrius of Thessalonica and Demetrius of the Don. Then in the churches the memory of all Orthodox Christians who died in the faith is celebrated, and especially on the fields of military battles with the enemy. Orthodox lay people come to the church on Dmitrievskaya Street, pray for the repose of their souls, and then visit the graves of their relatives, arrange memorial meals. This tradition dates back to the time of Sergius of Radonezh, when, after the Battle of Kulikovo in 1380, Prince Dimitry Donskoy arrived at the monastery of St. Sergius to give thanks to the “strong man in battles” of our Lord God. From the Life of St. Sergius we know: “During his stay this time in the Trinity Monastery, the Grand Duke ordered to sing requiems and serve funeral liturgies for all those killed on the Kulikovo field.” Later, at the state level, it was established to perform memorial services on Dmitriev Saturday wherever there were priests in military units, educational institutions, units. In the absence of their priests, all ranks free from service were required to attend funeral services in parish churches. Over time, they began to commemorate the soldiers who fell in the main historical battles of a later time: Poltava, Borodino and other battles that brought military glory to Russia.
These are the wonderful effects the veneration of the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica has produced in Holy Russia over the centuries since the historical moment of her Baptism. Now, praying before his icons, venerating the shrines associated with his personality, we can and must remember the feat of the saint, and honor the greatness of the echo of this feat, which through the centuries has permeated the entire church and social history of the God-saved Russian State.
Memorial Day was established by the Orthodox Church on October 26/November 8. Demetrius of Constantinople, martyr
Memorial Day was established by the Orthodox Church on August 9/22. In the first half of the 8th century, in the very center of Constantinople, many Christians suffered at the hands of their compatriots. Among them was St. Demetrius, who courageously defended the relic of his native city - the icon of the Savior. The image was on the "Copper" gate for 300 years. But then the emperor Leo the Isaurian, who was an iconoclast, came to power. He ordered the removal of icons from the temples. One of the soldiers set up a ladder, intending to follow the order and remove the icon, revered by the townspeople. The people of Constantinople gathered under the gates, among whom was Saint Demetrius. They did not allow sacrilege to take place. The ladder was pushed back and the warrior fell. At the same moment, other warriors attacked them. The commoners were killed immediately, and Demetrius and several other nobles were sent to prison. But a difficult fate awaited them there. Every day for 8 months Saint Demetrius steadfastly endured 500 blows. Suffering did not break him, he courageously accepted martyrdom by the sword. Holy Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica. Dimitry of Rostov, Metropolitan
The days of memory are established by the Orthodox Church on September 21/October 4, October 28/November 10. Saint Dmitry of Rostov - the worldly name Daniel, was born in the village of Makarov near Kiev in December 1651. He received his higher education at the Fraternal School at the Church of the Epiphany in Kiev and early accepted monasticism. From a young age, his spiritual virtues and diligence were highly appreciated by the highest clergy of the Little Russian and Russian Orthodox Church, especially in Little Russia, where he actively resisted the invasion of the bearers of the Catholic faith, who sought to oust Orthodoxy from the territory of Southern Russia. He devoted 20 years of his life to writing the great work of Chet'i-Minei - "The Lives of the Saints", finished it in 1705. In addition to Chetya-Meney, he left behind many other brief useful creations, as well as chronicle work, which he did not manage to finish before the end of his days. Also, St. Dmitry of Rostov actively opposed the schism and false teaching that penetrated Russia at the beginning of the 18th century. During his ministry, many of the most famous abbots of the largest monasteries in the South of Russia in the history of the Orthodox Church wanted St. Dmitry to serve in their monasteries. But his fate turned out differently, and he continued his ministry as Metropolitan of the Rostov diocese for seven years. Seeing many violations of church order and a tendency to heresy among the flock, he founded a theological school at the bishop's house at his own expense and took care of the education of his beloved students. Saint Dmitry of Rostov reposed in November 1732. From his incorruptible relics, many miraculous healings occurred and continue to occur. Based on numerous testimonies, on April 22, 1557, the Holy Synod ranked St. Dmitry of Rostov as a miracle worker. Demetrius of Salamis - see
Memorial Day is established by the Orthodox Church: June 20 / July 3. The Holy Martyr Dimitrian suffered for his faith in Christ at the beginning of the 4th century, during the reign of Emperor Maximian Galerius. He was tortured and executed in the Cypriot city of Salamis. Dimitrian served as a deacon in the Church of the Holy Apostle Barnabas. Hearing from the martyr Aristocles a story about the command of the Lord to go to the island of Cyprus and suffer for Christ, he set off on a journey with him. For preaching the Christian doctrine, they were tortured and executed. Personalized icons, as a rule, depict the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica. Demetrius of Skepsiysky (Hellespontsky), prince, martyr
Memorial Day was established by the Orthodox Church on September 11/24. In the 1st century, on the banks of the Hellespont (modern Dardanelles between Turkey and Asia Minor) stood the city of Skepsia. Dmitry was the prince in it. One day, local residents, pagans like himself, brought the Christian Cornelius the Centurion to him for trial. Cornelius confirmed that he was preaching the gospel. He also said that once he himself was a pagan, and the Apostle Peter converted him to Christ. The preacher tried to convince the prince that the truth was in the faith of Christ. But his words were of no avail. Then Demetrius ordered that he be taken to a pagan temple and tortured there. After some time, the prince was informed that the temple had collapsed as soon as the praying Cornelius was brought up to it. Not knowing what kind of execution to come up with for his prisoner, the angry ruler ordered the preacher to be imprisoned. Returning to the palace, Dimitri did not find his wife or children at home. Their search led to a ruined temple. The prince realized that his family had perished under the rubble. But at the same moment, someone reported that voices were heard from under the stones. Demetrius ran into the dungeon and told Cornelius that he would believe in Christ if he would save his family. The preacher approached the ruins and began to pray. When the prince saw his loved ones alive and unharmed, he released the preacher. Demetrius and his family were baptized. When the pagans found out about this, they imprisoned them and kept them there until they died. Personalized icons, as a rule, depict the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica. Demetrius of Uglich and Moscow, Tsarevich Tsarevich Dmitry became famous in the history of the Russian state after his death. The son of Ivan the Terrible, he was the last of the Rurik dynasty, since Fedor Ioanych, who reigned at that time, had no heirs. It is believed that the death of Dmitry was beneficial to Boris Godunov. An eight-year-old boy lived with his mother in Uglich and was the prince of this city. Like all children, he loved spending time with other children. So on May 15, 1591, he and his friends played "knives". What happened next was called by some an accident, by others a murder. Fifteen years after the appearance of False Dmitry I, another investigation was carried out. When they opened the grave of Dmitry, they saw that his relics remained incorrupt. After the body was brought to Moscow and placed in the Archangel Cathedral, numerous miracles began to occur at the coffin. The Orthodox Church, ranking Dmitry among the saints, believes he was killed on the orders of Boris Godunov. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
November 8 (October 26 old style) Orthodox Christians celebrate Memorial Day Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica- one of the most revered Orthodox saints, who has from God the grace of patronage of Christ-loving soldiers.
Life of the Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica
Saint Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica was the son of a Roman proconsul in Thessaloniki. Dimitri's parents were secret Christians. They baptized their son in a secret house church and raised him according to Christian canons. After the death of his father, Demetrius was appointed emperor Galerius Maximian(250-311) proconsul of the Thessalonian region. The main task assigned to the young warrior was to defend the city from the barbarians and destroy Christianity. Galerius could not even think that Demetrius would prove himself as a Christian, preaching in the city and converting many people to the Christian faith. Having received the appointment, Demetrius immediately began to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ, openly teaching Christianity to the townspeople and eradicating pagan beliefs. Compiler of the Life of Demetrius Simeon Metaphrast(?–960) calls Demetrius " the second apostle Paul for Thessalonica, because it was the apostle Paul who once founded the first community of believers in this city (1 Thess., 2 Thess.).
When Emperor Maximian learned that the new proconsul appointed by him was a Christian and converted many Roman subjects to Christianity, he became angry with Demetrius. Returning from a campaign in the Black Sea region, Galerius decided to lead the army through Thessaloniki in order to deal with the proconsul. Upon learning of this, Demetrius ordered his faithful servant Luppu distribute your property to the poor with the words:
Divide the earthly wealth among them - we will seek for ourselves the wealth of heaven.
And he himself began to pray and fast, thereby preparing himself for the acceptance of the martyr's crown. When Emperor Maximian entered the city, he ordered Demetrius to be brought to him. Then he boldly called himself a Christian and denounced Roman polytheism. Galerius ordered the confessor to be imprisoned, and an angel descended to him, consoling and strengthening him in his feat. Meanwhile, the emperor indulged in gladiatorial spectacles, watching his beloved strongman named Leah threw down from the platform onto the spears of the soldiers defeated by him in the struggle of the Christians. Christian by name Nestor came to the dungeon to Demetrius and asked for his blessing for single combat with the barbarian Ley. Through the prayers of Demetrius, Nestor defeated Leah, throwing him off the platform onto the spears of the soldiers, as earlier the pagan Leah threw Christians.
Enraged, Maximian ordered the immediate execution of Nestor ( 9 november commemoration) and sent guards to the dungeon - to pierce the preacher Demetrius with spears. Early morning October 26, 306 soldiers came to the prison where Demetrius was languishing and pierced him with spears.
Demetrius' servant, Lupp, collected the blood of the great martyr on a towel, removed the imperial ring, a sign of his high dignity, from his finger, and also dipped it in the blood. With a ring and other shrines, consecrated by the blood of the Thessalonica preacher Demetrius, Lupp began to heal the sick. The emperor ordered to seize and kill him.
The body of the Great Martyr Demetrius was thrown out to be devoured by wild beasts, but the Christians took it and secretly buried it in the ground.
Miracles of Demetrius of Thessalonica
There are several stories about Miracles of the Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica. Bishop is the author of one of the legends John of Thessaloniki(late VI - early VII centuries). Its text dates from the 7th century. Here are some of the miracles of the saint. A certain eparch indulged in gluttony and other carnal passions, from which he fell ill. No treatment helped him. He even rejected the magical amulet, preferring the salvation of the soul over physical health. Then the Great Martyr Demetrius appeared to him in a dream and ordered him to go to the temple. The eparch fulfilled the will of the saint, after which he was healed. Also, one military leader suffered from a stomach disease and, being near death, ordered him to be taken to the temple of Demetrius. In the temple he received healing.
Bishop John tells about a demon-possessed warrior who was taken to the temple of Demetrius of Thessalonica, and after a while he was healed. Emperor Mauritius(c.539-602) demanded from the archbishop of Thessaloniki Eusebia send him the relics of Demetrius of Thessalonica to help him in the war. Eusebius refused the emperor, recalling that even the emperor Justinian (483-565) unsuccessfully tried to obtain the relics of the saint. Then the ministers of the church decided to open the relics, making excavations in the supposed location of their location, but they were stopped by a sudden fire and the voice, probably of Demetrius of Thessalonica, who forbade them to do this. King of Bulgaria Kaloyan(1197–1207) fought with Byzantium, and later with the Latin Empire based on its territory. He managed to win back Northern Bulgaria, Pomoravie and part of Macedonia. In 1207 he laid siege to Thessalonica, but died unexpectedly. The siege of the city was ended. It is believed that at night the Great Martyr Demetrius appeared to Kaloyan and pierced the king with a spear in the heart. This event became an element of the iconography of St. Demetrius. He is depicted on horseback trampling Kaloyan while Demetrius pierces him with a spear.
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Veneration of the Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica
under the emperor Constantine(306-337) a church was built over the grave of Demetrius - the Basilica of St. Demetrius. A hundred years later, in 412-413, an Illyrian nobleman Leonty in memory of his deliverance from paralysis, he erected a majestic temple on the site of the former dilapidated structure. The altar of the new church was located at the burial place of Demetrius, and during the construction the relics of the great martyr were found.
Since the 7th century, during the cancer of the great martyr Demetrius, a miraculous outflow of fragrant myrrh begins. Presumably, at the end of the 12th - beginning of the 13th centuries, the relics of the great martyr were taken from Thessalonica to Italy. And only in the XX century they were returned to their homeland.
The first pages of the Russian Chronicle are connected with the name of the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica. When Prophetic Oleg(d. 912) defeated the Greeks near Constantinople (907), according to the chronicle, " the Greeks were afraid and said: this is not Oleg, but Saint Demetrius was sent to us from God". Russian soldiers have always believed that they are under the special patronage of the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius. It is worth noting that in the old Russian epics, the Great Martyr Demetrius is depicted as Russian by origin. Serbs and Bulgarians honor the great martyr Demetrius as the patron of the Slavic people, calling " fatherlandlover» Slavic peoples.
In 1197 the Novgorod prince Vsevolod Yurievich(1212/1213-1238) brought from Thessaloniki to Vladimir an icon of the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius, painted, according to legend, on the tombstone of the saint. This icon was first in Kiev, then in Vladimir. In 1380, on the eve of the Battle of Kulikovo, Grand Duke Dimitry Donskoy(1350–1389) solemnly transferred from Vladimir to the Assumption Cathedral in Moscow the main shrine of the Vladimir Dimitri Cathedral - the icon of the Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica, which was written on the board of the saint's tomb.
Troparion, Kontakion and Canon to the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica
Troparion, tone 3
Great is the universe of passion-bearing help you find in your troubles, vile victorious, as if you had put down pride for Lieva, and strengthen Nestor for the feat, so holy Demetrius, pray to Christ God, grant us great mercy.
Kontakion, tone 2
With your blood, Demetrius, God stained the Church, giving you an invincible power, and keeping your city unharmed. Therefore, thou art the affirmation.
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Holy Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica. Icons
oldest surviving depictions of the Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica are mosaic compositions of the 5th-7th centuries. in the basilica.
Icon-painting images of Demetrius of Thessalonica were quite common in Russia, yielding in number only to the images of the great martyr. Initially, Demetrius was depicted as a martyr in patrician robes (mosaics of the 5th-7th centuries in the Basilica of St. Demetrius, Thessaloniki). Since Saint Demetrius was a warrior, then, according to this fact, from the 11th century he began to be depicted in military attire, with a spear and a sword.
Temples in the name of the Great Martyr Demetrius in Russia
Church veneration of the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius in the Russian Orthodox Church began immediately after the Baptism of Russia. By the beginning of the 70s of the 11th century, the foundation Demetrius Monastery in Kiev, later known as Mikhailov Golden-Domed Monastery. The monastery was built by the son Yaroslav the Wise(c.978–1054), Grand Duke Izyaslav(1024–1078). In 1194-1197, the Grand Duke of Vladimir Vsevolod III Big Nest(1154–1212)" created a beautiful church in his courtyard, the holy martyr Demetrius, and marvelously decorated it with icons and writing". Demetrius Cathedral still adorns the ancient city of Vladimir.
Grand Duke Daniel of Moscow(1261–1303) erected a temple in Moscow in the name of the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius in the 1280s, which became the first stone church in the Moscow Kremlin. In 1326, under the prince Ioann Kalita(c.1283/1288–1340/1341), the temple was dismantled, and the Assumption Cathedral was built in its place. In the Moscow Assumption Cathedral, a chapel was built in the name of the Great Martyr Demetrius. In 1462, a temple was built in Novgorod in the name of the Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica.
Sculptures of the Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica
November 8, 2008 in the city of Dmitrov, Moscow Region, was installed monument to Demetrius of Thessalonica.
November 8, 2013 in the city Kamyshin In the Volgograd region, a monument was erected to Demetrius of Thessalonica, who is considered the heavenly patron of the city. In 1697 to Kamyshin from Kazan " to protect the lock business"The Dmitrievsky Streltsy Regiment was transferred. A fortification was erected on the banks of the Kamyshinki River. Petrovskoye". Later, the city, surrounded by a rampart and surrounded by a palisade with 4 gates, began to be called Dmitrievsk, and the archery regiment especially revered and kept the icon of the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica.
Holy Glorious Great Martyr Demetrius, pray to God for us!
DMITRY OF THESOLUNSK
The Great Martyr Demetrius was born in the city of Thessalonica in Greece.His parents, secret Christians, baptized him and instructed him in the faith. His father, a Roman proconsul, died when Demetrius came of age. Emperor Maximian Galerius, who ascended the throne in 305, appointed Demetrius to replace his father as ruler and governor of the Thessalonian region. The main duty of Demetrius was to protect his area from external enemies, but the emperor demanded from him also that he exterminate Christians. Demetrius instead began to eradicate pagan customs, and convert pagans to the faith of Christ.
Of course, the emperor was soon informed that the proconsul Demetrius was a Christian. Returning from a campaign against the Sarmatians (the tribes that inhabited the Black Sea steppes), Maximian stopped in Thessalonica. Preparing for death, Demetrius distributed his property to the poor, while he himself indulged in prayer and fasting. The emperor imprisoned the proconsul and began to entertain himself and the inhabitants of Thessalonica with gladiatorial battles in the circus. Christians were sought out and dragged to the arena. The provocative Leah, known among the gladiators, easily defeated the meek Christians in battle and, with the jubilation of the brutalized crowd, threw them on the spears of the soldiers.
The young man Nestor, from Christians, visited Demetrius in prison, and Demetrius blessed him for single combat with Leah. Strengthened by God, Nestor defeated the proud gladiator and threw him on the spears of the soldiers. Nestor was supposed to be rewarded as a winner, but for all this he was executed as a Christian.
By order of the emperor, the prison guards pierced Demetrius with spears in 306.
The murder of the martyr. Demetrius. Icon. 1st thurs. 17th century (Benaki Museum, Athens)
The body of the Great Martyr Demetrius was thrown out to be devoured by wild beasts, but the Thessalonians secretly betrayed it to the earth. Demetrius' servant Lupp took the bloody robe and ring of the martyr and began to heal the sick with them. He was also executed. During the reign of Emperor Constantine the Great (324-337), a temple was erected over the tomb of the Great Martyr Demetrius, and a hundred years later his imperishable relics were found. At the tomb of the great martyr Demetrius, miracles and healings were performed. During the reign of Emperor Mauritius, the Avars, who lived on the Don, besieged the city of Thessalonica. Saint Demetrius appeared on the city wall, and the 100,000-strong army of the besiegers turned to flight. On another occasion, the saint saved the city from famine. The life of Saint Demetrius tells that he freed the captives from the yoke of the infidels and helped them reach Thessalonica.
From the 7th century at the cancer of St. Demetrius, fragrant and miraculous myrrh began to flow, as contemporaries wrote about. In the XIV century. Demetrius Chrysolog wrote about him: myrrh “by its nature is not water, but thicker than it and does not resemble any of the substances known to us ... It is more amazing than all incense, not only artificial, but also naturally created by God.” For this reason, the great martyr Demetrius was called Myrrh-streaming.
Demetrius of Thessalonica, Martyry Zelenetsky and John Chrysostom 
Apostle Philip Saints Theodore and Demetrius 
St. martyr. George and Dimitri
Church veneration of the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius in the Russian Church began immediately after the Baptism of Russia. To the beginning 70s XI century. The foundation of the Demetrius Monastery in Kiev, later known as the Mikhailov-Golden-domed Monastery, dates back to the 17th century. The monastery was built by the son of Yaroslav the Wise, Grand Duke Izyaslav, in Baptism Demetrius († 1078). The mosaic icon of St. Demetrius of Thessalonica from the Cathedral of the Dimitrievsky Monastery has survived to this day and is located in the State Tretyakov Gallery.
The memory of St. Demetrius of Thessalonica has long been associated in Russia with military exploits, patriotism and the defense of the Fatherland. The saint is depicted on icons as a warrior in feathered armor, with a spear and a sword in his hands. On the scroll (in later images) they wrote a prayer with which Saint Demetrius turned to God about saving his native Thessalonica: “Lord, do not destroy the city and people. If you save the city and people, I will be saved with them, if you destroy it, with them and I will perish."
In the spiritual experience of the Russian Church, the veneration of the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica is closely connected with the memory of the defender of the Motherland and the Church, the Grand Duke of Moscow Demetrius of the Don († 1389). "The Sermon on the Life and Repose of the Grand Duke Dimitri Ivanovich, Tsar of Russia", written in 1393, like other ancient sources, appeases him as a saint. Spiritual son and pupil of Metropolitan Alexy, Saint of Moscow (+ 1378; Comm. February 12), disciple and interlocutor of the great prayer books of the Russian land - St. Sergius of Radonezh (+ 1392; Comm. September 25), († 1392; Comm. February 11), St. Theodore of Rostov († 1394; commemorated November 28), Grand Duke Dimitry "greatly grieved about the churches of God, and held the country of the Russian land with his courage: he defeated many enemies who attacked us and protected his glorious city of Moscow with wonderful walls." From the time of the white-stone Kremlin built by the Grand Duke Dimitri (1366), Moscow began to be called White-stone. "The Russian land flourished in the years of his reign," testifies the named "Word". Through the prayers of his Heavenly patron, the holy warrior Demetrius of Thessalonica, Grand Duke Demetrius won a number of brilliant military victories that predetermined the further rise of Russia: he repelled the onslaught of the Lithuanian troops of Olgerd on Moscow (1368.1373), defeated the Tatar army of Begich on the Vozha River (1378), crushed military power of the entire Golden Horde in the battle on the Kulikovo field (September 8, 1380 on the day of the celebration of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary) between the rivers Don and Nepryadva. The Battle of Kulikovo, for which the people called Dimitry Donskoy, became the first all-Russian national feat that rallied the spiritual forces of the Russian people around Moscow. This turning point in Russian history is dedicated to "Zadonshchina", an inspired heroic poem written by Priest Zephanius Ryazants (1381).
Prince Demetrius of the Don was a great admirer of the holy great martyr Demetrius. In 1380, on the eve of the Battle of Kulikovo, he solemnly transferred from Vladimir to Moscow the main shrine of the Vladimir Dimitri Cathedral - the icon of the Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica, written on the board of the saint's tomb. In the Moscow Assumption Cathedral, a chapel was built in the name of the Great Martyr Demetrius. In memory of the soldiers who fell in the Battle of Kulikovo, the Dimitri Parental Saturday was established for the general church commemoration. For the first time this memorial service was performed in the Trinity-Sergius Monastery on October 20, 1380 by the Monk Sergius, hegumen of Radonezh, in the presence of the Grand Duke Dimitry Donskoy himself. Since then, it has been celebrated annually in the monastery with a solemn commemoration of the heroes of the Battle of Kulikovo, including the schema-monks-soldiers Alexander (Peresvet) and Andrei (Oslyabi).
The Legend of the Miracles of the Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica
There are several collections of stories about the miracles of Demetrius of Thessalonica, 2 of which were created in the 7th century. in Thessalonica, are considered the oldest, they formed the basis of all subsequent ones. They show the main features of the image of the great martyr and the nature of his exploits. The author of the oldest collection (Collection I - BHG, N 499-516) is Archbishop John of Thessaloniki (late 6th - early 7th century), the creation of his work dates back to the reign of Emperor Heraclius (610-641). John's collection consists of 15 thematically selected miracles.
Miracle 1 "About the eparch Marian"
The eparch of Illyricum Marian began to indulge in gluttony, carnal passions and other sins, from which he fell seriously ill, and no treatment could help him. Marian rejected the magical amulet offered to him, preferring the salvation of the soul to recovery. Then Dmitry of Thessalonica appeared to him in a dream and ordered him to go to his temple. After spending the night in the temple of the Great Martyr, Marian was healed. This event could have taken place no earlier than the middle of the 5th century, when, after the fall of Sirmium, Thessalonica became the residence of the ruler of Illyricum. It is possible that it was borrowed by John from an older collection.
Miracle 2 "About having bleeding"
A certain military leader who served under the rule of the eparch of Illyricum suffered from severe stomach bleeding. Since he was known for his faith and gentle disposition, the whole city sympathized with him, but no medicine helped him. Being near death, he asked to be taken to the temple of the main defender of the city. When asked who it was, he replied: "Dionysius of Thessalonica." In his temple he received healing.
Miracle 3 "About the Plague"
John describes in detail the epidemic, from which babies, warriors, and rulers died. Hoping for the help of the patron of Thessaloniki, Dmitry of Thessalonica, people prayed fervently all night in his temple, and in the morning many of them began to recover, while those who remained at home died. This event is attributed to July 586.
The next group of miracles (4-7) in Collection I is in the category of "spiritual healing" or deliverance from delusions.
Miracle 4 "Odemons"
Talks about a warrior who was possessed by demons and could not pray. The comrades took him to the temple of Demetrius of Thessalonica and laid him there, and in the morning his mind returned to him.
Miracle 5 "On the demand for the relics of the martyr"
Emperor Mauritius demanded that the Archbishop of Thessaloniki, Eusebius, send him the relics of Demetrius of Thessalonica to help him in the war. Eusebius refused the emperor, recalling that even the emperor Justinian tried in vain to obtain the relics of the saint. Then the ministers of the church decided to open the relics, making excavations in the supposed location of their location, but they were stopped by a sudden flame and the voice of Dmitry Solunsky, who forbade them to do this.
Miracle 6 "About the Silver Throne"
During a fire in the temple of Demetrius of Thessalonica, the silver ciborium over the tomb was destroyed - the main decoration of the temple. Archbishop Eusebius, in order to compensate for the silver missing for the restoration of the ciborium, decided to melt the throne that was in the temple, but Dmitry appeared in a dream to one of the priests and forbade him to do this. However, Eusebius did not believe him, then Dmitry appeared to the priest for the 2nd time, and after 18 months - the 3rd, this time promising to take care of the ciborium. Soon someone named Mina turned to Eusebius, and then other silver donors to restore the ciborium.
Miracle 7 "About sexton Onesiphorus"
A certain young man Onesiphorus, whose duty it was to light candles and adjust the lamps in the temple of Demetrius of Thessalonica, began to steal and sell candles, and embezzle money. Dmitry appeared to him in a dream, but Onesiphorus did not heed the saint's warning. One night he wanted to steal the candles from the ciborium, but was stopped by Dmitry's voice from the coffin. Onesiphorus fell as if struck by thunder, and waking up, repented and left his sinful passion. The miracle took place in the time of Eusebius (the predecessor of John on the ecclesiastical throne of Thessalonica), but before he became a bishop, that is, before 586.
Miracles 8-15 tell of the defense of Thessalonica from various disasters.
Miracle 8 "On the help of the great martyr in hunger"
After the lifting of the siege of the city, famine set in, as the attacking barbarians destroyed the crops and all supplies in the district. In addition, because of the widespread rumors that Thessalonica was captured, merchant ships stopped coming to the city. The inhabitants were threatened with starvation. Then the Great Martyr appeared in a dream to Stephen, the captain of the ships with bread going to Constantipolis, and ordered him to change course and sail to Thessalonica. The saint walked on the sea in front of the ship and showed the way. When the captain arrived in the city, he told about the vision of Demetrius of Thessalonica for the first time manifesting miraculous power outside the walls of Thessalonica. The event is dated in the autumn of 586.
Miracle 9 "On the help of a martyr in hunger another time"
The Great Martyr sent ships with provisions to his native city, which was threatened with famine, but this time he did not appear to the merchants, but inspired them to go to Thessalonica. Dated ca. 610
Miracle 10 "About Mrs. Eutaxia"
The story refers to the time of the bloody civil war under imp. Foke (602-610), which began in the East (Cilicia, M. Asia), and then spread to Illyricum and Thessalonica. One person, who recently arrived in the city and was still unfamiliar with him, dreamed that he was in the temple of Dmitry Thessalonica, on the left side of which there was a ciborium of extraordinary beauty. He asked what kind of structure it was, and he was told that, according to rumors, a martyr was buried there. Dmitriy. The man wanted to look inside, and the gates of the ciborium were opened to him. There he saw a kind of silver bed, at the head of which was a golden throne studded with precious stones, and Dmitry himself sat on it. At the bottom of the bed was another throne, made of silver, on which sat a beautiful noble woman. She got up and took a step towards the door, but the saint stopped her and asked her not to leave the city that needed her. The dreamer asked who she was, and received the answer that this was a certain Eutaxia. She was sent by God as a companion to Dmitry Thessalonica. The dream was interpreted as a sign that the great martyr did not allow Eutaxia to leave the city, which was experiencing civil strife. This miracle contains the most detailed description of the ciborium, the supposed gravestone of Demetrius of Thessalonica.
Miracle 11 "About the blasphemous eparch"
The central figure here again is a certain eparch of Illyricum, who was very haughty and treated the citizens contemptuously. When he reached the point of blasphemy, he was stricken with a disease as a punishment: his body was covered with terrible ulcers. So he suffered for almost a year and was delivered from the disease only after he confessed with tears in the temple of Dmitry. This miracle dates back to ca. 586
Miracles 12-15 contains a description of the military assistance provided by Demetrius of Solon to the city. All of them relate to historical events witnessed by the contemporaries of Archbishop John.
Miracle 12 "About the ignition of ciborium"
On the 2nd day of the holiday in honor of Dmitry (October 26), on the night of October 28, the ciborium caught fire and molten silver flowed like a river across the floor. Awakened, the townspeople rushed to put out the fire. When the fire was extinguished, and the townspeople had not yet dispersed, the ministers of the church began to fear that the temple would be robbed, and did not know how to get people out of it. Then Dmitry inspired one of them to declare a false alarm about the attack of the barbarians. Soon the crowd dispersed and the attendants began to calmly collect the molten silver. When the townspeople, having armed themselves, climbed the walls of the city, it turned out that the Slavic army had indeed imperceptibly approached Thessalonica. The battle lasted all day until the attackers retreated. This miracle contains the earliest mention of the day of memory of the saint - 26 Oct. It is difficult to attribute the event to a specific year, and the proposed dates range from 584 to 609.
Miracle 13 "On the siege of the city"
Archbishop John calls him "the most important of the miracles of the martyr", which saved Thessalonica from inevitable death. Having planned to cause as much grief as possible to the emperor Mauritius, the leader (kagan) of the Avars gathered the Slavs subordinate to him and set out with a huge army against Thessalonica. Sweeping away everything in its path, the army advanced towards the city faster than expected. But Dmitri sent darkness on the enemies, so that they took the fortress of the mts. The matrons out of town and stayed there, only at dawn discovering a mistake. When the assault on the city nevertheless began, Dmitry appeared on the wall in the equipment of a heavily armed warrior, threw the first barbarian from the stairs up the wall with a spear. Falling, he dragged everyone else with him. Fear-stricken, the barbarians retreated from the walls. After the first failure, the Avars and Slavs surrounded the city in a dense ring. The townspeople were terrified, as they had never seen so many barbarians close by. In addition, the population of the city was greatly reduced after the plague, and salvation seemed impossible.
Miracle 14 "About the Singer"
It is believed that originally Miracles 13-14 was a single story, which, due to its large volume, was divided into 2 parts. In the 1st it is said how Dmitry prevented the barbarians from suddenly capturing the city, in the 2nd - how Thessalonica was delivered from the siege. At the center of each of the stories is a miracle associated with the appearance of the great martyr to provide military assistance, but, in addition, there are several other miracles of the saint, which explain the luck of the townspeople and the misses of the barbarians during the siege. A few days before the appearance of the barbarians, Archbishop Eusebius dreamed that he was in the city theater, where a certain singer was going to sing about him and his daughter. Waking up, Eusebius guessed that the daughter was Thessalonica. Knowing that dreams of this kind portend misfortune, he prayed day and night. When the barbarians attacked the city, he immediately understood what the singer prophesied. The city did not have enough people, money, or weapons to repel the attack.
But suddenly, to the surprise of the attackers, warriors appeared on the walls from nowhere - it was God who sent his army to help. The author describes in detail the siege, during which the barbarians several times came close to taking the city, but Dmitry helped to repel the attacks, and the attackers returned to the camp empty-handed. On the 7th day of the siege, the barbarians decided to undertake a decisive battle. However, on the appointed day, they unexpectedly departed from the walls of the city, seized with horror. As they retreated, they robbed and killed each other. Defectors from their side said that the day before they saw how an army rode out of the gates of the city, at the head of which was "a fiery and shining man on a white horse and dressed in white clothes." The townspeople realized that it was an angelic army led by Dmitry Solunsky. This event can be attributed to 586 or 597. Most researchers tend to date 22-29 September 586.
Miracle 15 "About the appearance of angels"
Angels are talking with the martyr. Demetrius about the fate of Thessaloniki. The stigma of the icon “Vmch. Demetrius of Thessalonica with life "beginning. 16th century
On the 3rd day of the siege, one illustration was a vision in the temple of the great martyr: 2 angels knocked on the gates of the ciborium. The gates opened, and the illustrious saw inside Dmitry Solunsky, from whom a dazzling light emanated. The angels told him to leave the city, which God is betraying into the hands of the Gentiles. Dmitry was saddened and asked the angels to convey to God his request not to give up the city or to allow him to lay down his life for the inhabitants of the city. The angels disappeared, and Dmitry. returned to the tomb. The next morning the barbarians were put to flight. This miracle is of great importance for the formation of the image of the saint as a defender of the fatherland, who refuses to leave the city, punished for sins, and begs him for forgiveness from God.
Assembly II(BHG, N 516z - 523) arose as a direct continuation of Collection I. In the introduction, the author gives reasons to attribute its compilation to the 80-90s. 7th century Collection II is preserved in a single manuscript (Paris. gr. 1517), where it follows Collection I. Neither the name of the author nor his social status is known, i.e. the house page with the beginning of the 1st chapter is lost, but it is clear from the work that the author was a resident of Thessalonica. Collection II consists of 6 Wonders and is more rich in historical information than Collection I. All Wonders (except the 6th) are connected with the defense of the city from the barbarians.
Miracle 1 “On equipping the ships of the Droguvites, Sagudats, Velegezites and others”
Tells about the miracles of Demetrius of Thessalonica, performed during the attack on Thessalonica by the fleet of the Slavic tribes. Before proceeding to the siege of the city, the Slavs, who attacked from the sea on monoxyl ships (one-trees), devastated other areas of Greece - Thessaly, Epirus, Achaia, captured most of the Greek islands and reached the shores of Asia Minor. For the assault on Thessalonica, they prepared sophisticated siege weapons. When, after 3 days of preparations, the Slavs went on the assault, they saw Dmitry in a white mantle bypassing the wall and walking along the sea, as if on land. And then the ships of the Slavs became uncontrollable, collided with each other and turned over. A headwind blew, and the surviving ships failed to turn back, they barely managed to get away. The Slavs planned to capture the city from the inside. Their leader, named Hatzon, wanted to secretly enter Thessalonica, but was discovered and handed over to the townspeople. In memory of this, there was an image not far from the unpreserved temple of Dmitry Thessalonica in places. Xylon. The Slavic naval attack on the city is dated to c. 615 On the active actions of the Slavs in the Balkans in the first decades of the 7th century. reported by other Byzantine authors, but Collection II is the only source that allows you to restore the course of events in the southern regions of the peninsula. During the attack, the Slavs brought their families near Thessalonica, intending to capture the city and settle here. Their maritime operations covered almost the entire coast of Greece, including the Peloponnese, with the adjacent islands, the sea zone of Macedonia and the coasts of Asia Minor. Previously, the Slavs needed to capture the interior of the peninsula. The fact that Thessalonica survived in these circumstances was perceived by contemporaries as a miracle.
Miracle 2 "About the war of the kagan"
Having failed at Thessalonica, the Slavs sent many gifts to the Avars, promising to give even more if they helped them capture the city. Having gathered all the tribes subject to him, the kagan set out against Thessaloniki. This attack was even more dangerous than the previous one. Archbishop John tried to support the spirit of the besieged, he climbed the walls, calling to trust in the help of God and Demetrius of Thessalonica. One of the townspeople, having written the name of the great martyr on a stone, let him into the enemies, he collided with another large stone thrown by the Slavs, and turned him back. Both stones fell on the catapult of the barbarians, which led to great casualties. On the same day there was a strong earthquake, the barbarians saw that the wall had collapsed, and rushed into the city, but, approaching, they made sure that the wall was standing as before. The arrows fired by the barbarians turned against them. Suddenly, the harbor of the city was filled with ships with various supplies. The sailors said that they were sent by an unknown official, but the townspeople immediately realized that it was Dmitry, since the country did not yet know about the sudden attack of the barbarians on Thessalonica. The Kagan, seeing that he could not take the city, agreed to a ransom and retreated. The siege lasted 33 days. It is dated 618.
Miracle 3 "About the earthquake and the fire of the temple"
Shortly after the siege referred to in the previous Miracle, Archbishop John had a vision of an earthquake in the city. He asked God to delay the punishment until his death. His prayer was heard. About a month after the death of Archbishop John, an earthquake struck. The shocks continued for several days, but the first one was especially strong, so that part of the city immediately collapsed, but none of the townspeople died, having managed to leave the houses and the city under the care of Dmitry. Another miracle was that the Slavs, who were nearby, did not attack Thessalonica.
They said that when they saw the city destroyed and the gates open, then, taking tools for clearing the rubble, they set off for the property of the townspeople, deciding that everyone had died. Coming closer, they found that the city was still standing, and armed guards were on the walls. What exactly the miracle consisted of can be interpreted in two ways: either the Slavs fell victim to an illusion, or the walls really collapsed, and Dmitry restored them. During the disaster, Dmitry of Thessalonica himself appeared to protect the city, and this time he was accompanied by other saints. Shortly after the earthquake, Dmitry's temple caught fire. Despite all efforts, they could not put out the fire, and the basilica was completely destroyed. The Thessalonians took this as a punishment for sins, and some thought that Dmitry asked God to punish his temple in order to ward off even more punishment from the city. Dmitry Thessalonica, having appeared in a dream to a righteous person, announced that the temple would be restored. The events described are attributed to the 20s or 30s. 7th century Miracle 3 ends the story of the events of the time of Archbishop John. The Miracles cited below refer to subsequent decades and tell of events contemporary with the unknown author of Collection II.
Miracle 4 "About the famine and the siege because of Purwood"
This text is the largest in the Collection, it is the most valuable historically. The author divides it into several. parts. The plot is based on an attempt by the Slavs, who have long settled around Thessaloniki, to capture the city. The reason for the confrontation was the arrest of the prince who was in the city of the Slavs. Perwood. Slavic tribes surrounded the city from all sides, so that the inhabitants were threatened with starvation. To save his compatriots, Dmitry performed several miracles. Perwood was caught by his trade, who managed to escape after the first arrest. Then he stopped the flight of the inhabitants to the Slavs due to severe hunger: Dmitry inspired the latter with the idea of selling the townspeople into slavery to the Slavs of the interior of the peninsula. Some time later, when only the weakest remained in the city, since all the young and strong sailed on ships for food to Thessaly, the Slavs decided to storm. Then Dmitry, appearing with his own eyes with a rod in his hand, drove the enemies away from the gate. Thanks to this miracle and the fact that, despite the siege engines on the one hand and the exhaustion of the defenders on the other, the enemies still could not take Thessalonica, they realized that the city had patron saints. When the imperial army came to the rescue, peace was concluded with the Slavs. The main miracle in this lengthy plot is the conversion of the Slavic master-inventor to Christianity. A certain craftsman decided to build an unusual siege machine in the form of a tower, which could accommodate warriors with various weapons. But Dmitry appeared to him, hit him in the face, and the master lost his mind. He fled to the mountains, where he began to live like a wild beast. When he came to his senses, he found out who the saint who appeared to him was, and soon he was baptized. This important episode outlines a new line in the miracles of the saint - the conversion of pagans to Christianity. The blockade of the city by the Slavs took 2 years and most likely dates back to 676-678.
Miracle 5 "About the internecine war conceived against the city by the Bulgarians Mavr and Kuver"
The plot refers to a turning point in the history of the Balkan Peninsula, when the Avars are no longer mentioned in the sources, the Slavs become an important demographic element, and the Bulgarians begin to pose a serious threat. The text shows how quickly the situation in Macedonia and the peninsula as a whole was changing. Part of the subjects of the Avar Khagan, the descendants of the once captured Greeks, mixed with the Slavs and Bulgarians, decided to leave the Khaganate and return under the rule of the empire. Crossing the Danube, they reached Thessalonica and camped near the city. A Bulgarian named Kuver, who led this exodus from the kaganate, did not want to let go of the people, who were striving to return to the city of their ancestors, fearing to lose power. People began to flee from him to Thessalonica. Then Kuver decided to send a man devoted to him named Moor to the city in order to cause "internecine war" there. The implementation of this plan was prevented by Dmitry Solunsky. He appeared in a dream to the commander of the ships Sisinius near the island of Skiathos and ordered him to urgently move towards the city, while the great martyr made the wind fair. The arrival of the ships of Sisinius saved Thessalonica. These events date back to the 80s. 7th century The seal of Moor and other evidence confirming the authenticity of the information have been preserved. With this miracle, stories about the sieges of the city by the barbarians end. According to the author, all their attempts to take possession of Thessalonica were doomed to failure, because the city, as the home of Demetrius of Thessalonica, had to remain untouched.
Miracle 6 "About Bishop Cyprian"
Who went from Africa to Constantinople. Off the coast of Hellas, he was captured by the Slavs and fell into slavery. One day, a young man in military clothes appeared before him and said that his name was Demetrius and his house in Thessalonica. He ordered Cyprian to follow him, but to remain silent along the way and not to speak to him. After 8 days, Cyprian reached Thessaloniki and his guide disappeared. The bishop looked for the house of the warrior Demetrius in the city in order to thank him, in the church of Demetrius of Thessalonica he recognized his companion on the icon and told the archbishop of Thessalonica about everything. Upon his return to Africa, Cyprian erected a temple in his homeland in the name of Dmitry Thessalonica, who himself helped him get marble for construction. In this temple, many were healed from the sting of scorpions, anointing themselves with oil from the lamp in front of the icon of the great martyr.
Miracle about Radomir
The Bulgarian Tsar Radomir was a man of a fierce temper. His favorite pastime was hunting, during which he poisoned people with animals. Driven to despair, the subjects begged Dmitry to save them from the tormentor. Once during a hunt, having lured Radomir to a hard-to-reach place, the great martyr appeared before him on a horse, threw Radomir off his horse with one blow and pierced him with a spear, and then became invisible. We are talking about Gavriil Radomir (1014-1015), who was the son of the Bulgarian king Samuil and led the struggle of the Bulgarians against the Byzantine conquest. He was killed by his cousin Ivan Vladislav while hunting, as evidenced by some historical sources.
Miracle about Kaloyan
Miracle vmch. Demetrius about Tsar Kaloyan. Icon. 18th century
The Bulgarian Tsar Kaloyan (1197-1207), having ruined many cities in Thrace and Macedonia, was about to capture Thessalonica, where the myrrh-streaming relics of Demetrius of Thessalonica were kept. He approached the city and settled down to rest. At night, Dmitry appeared to him on a white horse and struck him in the heart with a spear. Kaloyan woke up with a deep wound and told about the vision to the commander Manastyr. Kaloyan died, and his army, terrified, fled, taking the body of the king. Kaloyan was the younger brother of the founders of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom, Peter (Theodore) and Asen (Belgun). It is known that he died suddenly or was killed at night in his tent on the eve of the assault on Thessalonica. The Bulgarians immediately retreated from the city, and the killers were not found. The mysterious death of Kaloyan gave rise to many rumors, on the basis of which the story of John Stavraky was recorded. The legend about the murder of Kaloyan by Dmitry Thessalonica is also found among Western writers Alberic and Robert de Clary (XII-XIII centuries).
Prayers to the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica, Myrrh-streaming
Prayer one
Holy and glorious Great Martyr of Christ Demetrius, quick helper and warm intercessor with faith flowing to you! Standing boldly before the heavenly King, ask Him for forgiveness of our sins, and save us from the all-destructive ulcer, coward, flood, fire, sword and eternal punishment. Pray for His goodness, hedgehog to this city, this temple and every Christian country. Proceed from the King of those who reign against the enemies of victory and overcoming, peace, silence, firmness in faith and progress in piety to our entire power: but to us, who honor your honorable memory, ask for a grace-filled strengthening for good deeds, yes, pleasing to our Lord Christ God, creating here, we will be able to inherit the kingdom of heaven with your prayers, for His eternal glorification with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Prayer two
Holy Great Martyr of Christ Demetrius! Standing with boldness to the Heavenly King, ask Him for forgiveness of our sins and get rid of us, cursed (names), from the all-destructive ulcer, fire and eternal punishment. Pray for His goodness, hedgehog to the parish (or house) of this and our temple. Ask us for a grace-filled strengthening for good deeds, and let us do what is pleasing to our Lord Christ God here, let us be honored by Your prayers to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven and there glorify Him, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.
Copyright © 2015 Unconditional Love
> icon of St. Dmitry DonskoyIcon of Dmitry Donskoy
Grand Prince Dmitry Ivanovich Donskoy was canonized as a Saint in 1988 - in honor of the millennial anniversary of the baptism of Russia by his great ancestor, St. Vladimir the Baptist. St. Dmitry Donskoy entered the history of Russia as a successful successor to the unification of lands and principalities around the Moscow principality. In addition, the memory of the Battle of Kulikovo will forever remain in the history of the Russian state, where St. Dmitry Donskoy and his troops repulsed the troops of the Golden Horde, thereby marking the beginning of the liberation of Russia from the Tatar-Mongol yoke. On the icon of Prince Dmitry Donskoy, the Saint is depicted in rich princely attire, with a sword in one hand and the other hand humbly raised, frozen in the gesture "the palm of the righteous." Thus, the character of St. Dmitry is revealed - he revered Christ and was a great warrior.
Dmitry's father was Ivan the Second Red Rurikovich, the great-grandson of the great warrior, wise diplomat and successful ruler - statesman Alexander Nevsky. Ivan Krasny died when Dmitry Donskoy was nine years old. A huge responsibility fell on the little boy - he had to manage the Moscow principality, which was gaining strength and setting itself the goal of subjugating all other principalities. As historical chronicles show, Dmitry Ivanovich Donskoy and the decisions he made from the very first days of accession to the princely throne were strongly influenced by the Holy Wonderworker Metropolitan Alexy of Kiev and the ambitious Moscow boyars. At this time, within the Golden Horde, to which the principalities of Russia paid tribute, the so-called "great zamyatnya" began - an internecine struggle between heirs and relatives for the khanate, which began with the death of Berdibek, resulting in a frequent change of rulers. As a result of the absence of representatives of the deceased Ivan the Red to receive a label for reigning in Sarai-Batu, the capital of the Golden Horde, Dmitry Konstantinovich, the Suzdal prince, received Moscow reigning. But the most influential Moscow boyars did not want to give up their dominant positions, and at the age of 11 Dmitry Donskoy went with them for a label to reign. At that moment, the khan's power was divided between the shed khan Murad and the favorite of the formidable Mamai Abdullah. Taking advantage of the confusion in the delimitation of powers between the two rulers, Dmitry Donskoy and the Muscovites were able to obtain a princely label for the young prince from the first of them, Khan Murad. So Dmitry Ivanovich became the Moscow prince. Two years after receiving the label, Dmitry, his brother Ivan and their cousin Vladimir stood at the head of the army going to war against Vladimir, where Dmitry of Suzdal occupied the grand prince's throne. Assessing the strength and size of the Moscow army, the Suzdal prince ceded the throne, with virtually no resistance. Mamai, not wanting to hand over the grand-ducal throne to Dmitry Donskoy, who was not under his control, sent with ambassadors another label to reign for the Suzdal prince Dmitry Konstantinovich. But he was able to hold out only 12 days, a little less than two weeks. The Grand Duke's throne still remained with St. Dmitry. This conflict between Mamai and Dmitry Donskoy subsequently turned into heavy bloody battles, increased civil strife and the devastation of many Russian lands. But for Russia, as a free unified state, further history showed the need for Dmitry to reign on the throne of the Grand Duke, even if by increasing enmity with the Golden Horde.
When Dmitry was fifteen years old, he married the daughter of his recent rival Dmitry Konstantinovich, Prince of Suzdal, who wanted to extinguish the conflict between Moscow and Suzdal. His wife, Evdokia Dmitrievna (known in Orthodoxy as the Reverend Saint Euphrosyne of Moscow), at the time of the wedding in the Kolomna Resurrection Church, was only thirteen years old. Despite the young age of both, the marriage was happy and fruitful: Dmitry Ivanovich and Evdokia had 12 children. The holy ascetic Sergius of Radonezh, who was friends with Patriarch Alexy of Kiev, became the godson of his two children. Both Sergius and Alexy accompanied Dmitry Donskoy all his life, giving him invaluable advice and blessing him for fateful deeds.
All subsequent years, Dmitry Ivanovich, the prince of Moscow, Suzdal and Vladimir, spent in the affairs of the unity of Russia, subjugating the Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod, Ryazan, Tver, Galich, Kostroma, Starodub princes during his reign. In addition, St. Dmitry won several important skirmishes against the Volga Bulgars, stopped the troops of the Tatar-Mongolian Murza Begich near the Ryazan River Vozha and won the most important battle that went down in the history of Russia forever - the Battle of Kulikovo.
Mamai, the shadow ruler of the Horde, had been preparing for the Battle of Kulikovo for two years. The previous campaign of his Murza Begich ended with the defeat of the Tatar-Mongol, a respite and replenishment of the troops were needed. The rest from the conquests lasted two years, during which time Mamai, with the help of his ambassadors, gathered a huge number of mercenaries from the nomadic tribes of Asia into his troops. In addition, Mamai agreed with the Lithuanian prince Vladislav Jagiello and the Ryazan prince Oleg to meet with their troops on the southern bank of the Oka, from where it was planned to attack the troops of St. Dmitry en masse.
Dmitry Ivanovich, notified by scouts, gathered troops from all the principalities subordinate to him. Surprisingly, forgetting about internecine strife, all the princes, except for Oleg Ryazansky, united around Dmitry. A plan was drawn up: only a small part of the army, a reserve of the main troops, remained in Moscow. The rest of the troops crossed the Oka, and bypassing the Ryazan lands from the west, moved to the Don. Wanting to take the enemy by surprise, Dmitry Ivanovich and his associates crossed the Don, getting to the other side of this great river. Before the departure of St. Dmitry and his army, St. Sergius of Radonezh blessed, prophesying victory. Together with the army, two monks - heroes, Alexander Peresvet and Andrey Oslyabya, set off. Immediately before the battle, the warrior standing on guard had a vision: the Holy Passion-Bearers Boris and Gleb, armed with swords and illuminating their path with lit candles, attacked the Tatar-Mongol warriors, chopping them all to the last. At the same time in Vladimir, the sexton of the church where the tomb of Alexander Nevsky was kept had a vision: two elders raised the great commander from the coffin to help their descendant in the future bloody battle. Stepping out into the courtyard, the figures vanished into thin air.