Great Martyr Demetrius, the Myrrh-gusher

Saint Demetrius was a Christian martyr who lived in the 4th century. His father, a proconsul of Thessaloniki, secretly embraced the Christian faith, and also raised his son in the faith in God. However, early legends about Demetrius credit him with a military career in the Roman Army. Therefore, he is sometimes also called a military martyr, and depicted wearing an armor.
Later in his life, Saint Demetrius was appointed by Emperor Maximian as a proconsul of Thessaloniki, and was ordered to eradicate all the Christians within the walls of the city. Saint Demetrius responded by proclaiming his faith, thus enraging the emperor, who was a Christian prosecutor. He was imprisoned and then killed by the soldiers of the emperor who ran him through with lances, on October 26. It is said that the first lance crossed his right rib, just like as happened with Jesus Christ on the cross.

Saint Demetrius's relics are found in his dedicated church in Thessaloniki, Greece. On the left there is a fresco of Saint Demetrius.

Popular beliefs: people believe that the day of Saint Demetrius will show how the entire winter will be. A cold day meant a winter rich in snow and good for crops, while a warm day meant that the fall will be long and beautiful.

Romanians also celebrate Saint Demetrius the New (Dimitrie cel Nou) of Basarabi on October 27; the holy relics of this saint are found at the Patriarchal Cathedral in Bucharest. This time of the year there is a pilgrimage in which believers from all the country partake, and it can last up to three days.

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