Saint Dimitrios the Myrrh Bearer (Thessaloniki)
The Story Behind This Icon
Saint Dimitrios lived in Thessaloniki, during the early 300s A.D. He was part of a noble family and was known for his intelligence and good virtue. Saint Dimitrios' military capabilities led him to his position as commander of the Roman forces in Proconsul and Thessaly, for the Hellenic part of the empire. As commander, he was able to convert many other elites and important figures around the empire, even as paganism was the prominent religion at the time. As Emperor Maximian returned to Rome after achieving victory against the Scythians, he stopped for a celebration in Thessaloniki, offering sacrifices to idols. When Saint Dimitrios was asked to do so, he proclaimed his faith as a Christian, resulting in his imprisonment.
At that time, the Emperor was holding an arena match for gladiators to battle; he had brought with him Lyaios, a giant man with great strength, whom no one had ever beaten in battle before. A man named Nestor wanted to show the Emperor the power of Christianity and went to the imprisoned Saint Dimitrios to ask for his blessing as he was about to challenge Lyaios to a battle in the arena. Saint Dimitrios made the sign of the cross on Nestor's head and chest. Nestor headed to the arena, and prior to the start of the match, yelled "God of Dimitrios, help me!"
Nestor won the battle easily, even though he was at a clear disadvantage in strength. He looked up, expecting the Emperor to bow down before Christ and convert, but on the contrary, he was imprisoned for the use of "witchcraft". Both Dimitrios and Nestor were tortured and put to death. To this day, the body of Saint Dimitrios flows with myrrh at the church of Saint Dimitrios in Thessaloniki, Greece.
This particular version of the icon of Saint Dimitrios depicts the Holy Saint in front of Thessaloniki, his city of origin and of whom he patron.
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This icon is made of solid, natural limewood (Tilia) that has been prepared by hand using traditional methods and organic materials. The background consists of 22 Karat gold leaves that were meticulously applied by hand, piece by piece. Subtle connecting lines and brush strokes may be visible on the gold leaves and are a testament to the artisan's hand, making each piece entirely unique.
