Orthodox Icon of St. Demetrios on horseback

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October 26th
Troparion (Tone 3)
O victorious Demetrios, thou wast a protection for the world and an invincible soldier of Christ. Thou didst inspire Nestor to humble Lyaios. Intercede with Christ our God to save us.

Demetrios was born in the city of Salonica or Thessalonica to devout parents. He succeeded his father as military commander of the city by appointment of Emperor Maximian. The emperor then ordered him to persecute and kill Christians in Salonica. The Saint instead openly confessed Christ and preached the Gospel. The Emperor was furious, so he came to the city especially to deal with this. Demetrios not only openly confessed Christ before the Emperor; he also denounced Maximian's idolatry. The Emperor cast him into prison. Demetrios entrusted his goods to his servant Lupus to distribute to the poor and accepted his lot joyfully. An angel of the Lord appeared to him in prison to encourage him. After several days the Emperor gave the order for Demetrios to be killed. The guards came upon him while in prayer and ran him through with their spears. Christians secretly took his body and gave it proper burial. A healing myrrh flowed from his grave by which many of the sick were healed. A church was built over his grave. Some years later, a noble named Leontius was cured of an incurable disease by prayerfully approaching St. Demetrios' relics. In gratitude, he built a much larger church there. St. Dimitrios is regarded as the Defender of Thessaloniki and the Protector of Siberia.

This Icon is by the hand of Nicholas Papas and is from St. Mary Orthodox Church, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.

Order # inp-142