The Parish of St. Dimitrios in Salzburg commemorated its Patron Saint, Holy Great-Martyr Demetrius the Myroblyte, on Tuesday, October 26, 2021, with a solemn Divine Liturgy officiated by Metropolitan Arsenios of Australia, accompanied by Archimandrite Ilias, Archdeacon Maximos, in the presence of faithful and visitors.
In his sermon, the Metropolitan referred to the importance of the Divine Liturgy and its connections with the Holy Martyrs of the Church. Making a brief historical review, he recalled the custom of the Christians of the Ancient Church to perform the Eucharist on their holy graves in front of the executioners who were martyred for the Truth.
This tradition continues to this day with the deposition of the holy relics of the Saints, the Metropolitan reminded, under the Holy Table or in the holy Antiminsio. As a typical example, he mentioned the honor of Saint Dimitrios of Thessaloniki, which exceeded the local limits and has been celebrated for centuries by the entire Orthodox Church.
The Metropolitan stressed that the example of the Great Martyr Saint was relevant for every believer, as we were all called to make a clear decision in our lives: we dedicate everything to a successful career or we take care with a clear conscience to follow a life path with Christ that leads to union with him and in eternal Life?
“Let us be martyrs and confessors of the Truth and the only true God, with the conviction that Christ is our Savior and He is God. We are responsible for conveying this joyful message to people all over the world,” concluded the Metropolitan of Austria
This was followed by the artoklasia in favor of the strengthening and prosperity of the Austrian people on the occasion of the celebration of the Austrian National Day as well as in favor of the sick and the workers in the field of health.
Attendees also had the opportunity to chat with each other during the reception hosted by the Parish of St. Dimitrios in Salzburg.