The Orthodox Church commemorates today the Apostles Aristarchus of Thessalonica, Bishop of Apamea. He is also identified as one of the Seventy Apostles. Also, Martyrs Ardalion the Mime, and Thomais, and New Martyr Demetrius of Trifylia who was martyred in Tripoli (†1803).
Saint Demetrios was born in the village of Ligoudista in Arcadia. He later traveled with his brother to Tripoli, where he found employment as a builder. Due to the severe mistreatment inflicted by his employer, Saint Demetrios decided to leave his job and sought refuge in the home of a Turkish barber. There, the barber managed to convert him to Islam and named him Mehmet. Later, filled with remorse for his actions, Demetrios sought redemption and traveled to Argos. Seeking greater safety, he traveled to Smyrna and eventually arrived at Kydonies, where he took refuge in the Monastery of the Holy Forerunner. There, he found a wise and pious spiritual father and, after confessing his sins, sought guidance on his past actions.
Encouraged by the wise counsel of the spiritual priest, Demetrios made his way to Chios, where he found solace in the company of a devout clergyman. Under the guidance of this virtuous mentor, Demetrios gained courage and spiritual strength, steadfastly embracing faith in the Triune God until his eventual martyrdom. For this reason, Demetrios returned to Argos, where he concealed himself, drawing inspiration from the devout priest Antonios Sakellarios.
He subsequently journeyed back to Tripoli, where he boldly presented himself to the Turkish commander. With unwavering conviction, Demetrios declared his faith in Christ as the only true God and expressed his willingness, if required, to endure martyrdom for Him. Despite the flatteries and dilemmas, he remained steadfast in his Christian faith. Horrific torture ensued, yet Dimitrios remained steadfast and unyielding in his faith. After any attempt to persuade him failed, he was beheaded on April 14, 1803, in Tripoli.
The Christians reverently received his relic and accorded him the honors befitting a martyr of the Church, laying him to rest with the utmost reverence. Today the holy relic of the new martyr Demetrius is located in the Katholikon of the Holy Monastery of Saint Nicholas in Varson in Arcadia, Peloponnese.
Source: Church of Cyprus