A large gathering of faithful from Thessaloniki came to honour the great soldier and champion, the ever-vigilant guardian and Patron Saint of Thessaloniki, the Holy Great Martyr Dimitrios the Myrrh-streamer, during the Service of the Lamentations in his honour, held at the Holy Pilgrimage Church dedicated to him on the evening of Friday, 23 October.
The sacred services of Vespers and Matins for the “Great Friday” of Saint Dimitrios were presided over by the local Hierarch, His Eminence Metropolitan Philotheos of Thessaloniki, with the participation of numerous clergy of the Metropolis.
Before the conclusion of the Vespers service, His Eminence delivered a homily to the large congregation. Visibly moved, the Metropolitan spoke of Saint Dimitrios’ great love for Christ, which gave him the courage not to falter in the face of the horrific tortures he endured.
In accordance with the liturgical order, the Lamentations of the Holy Great Martyr were chanted before the stichera of the Praises, followed by a procession within the church with the reliquary containing the holy and grace-filled relics of the Patron Saint of Thessaloniki.
The presence of Saint Dimitrios remains eternally alive. The Myrrh-streamer protects his city through all the difficult moments of its centuries-long history. He is the ever-vigilant guardian of Thessaloniki, standing always beside its inhabitants.
The city honours this great Saint, the defender not only of Thessaloniki but of the entire world, throughout the year, and especially during the month of October, which is almost entirely dedicated to his memory.