Demetrios of Constantinople

Holy New Martyr Demetrios of Constantinople was a young man handsome in appearance, strong in body and modest in manner. At twenty-⁠five he worked at Galata in Constantinople, in a wine shop belonging to the Christian Hatzi Panagiotis.

Some of the customers, Muslims from Pontus, tried to persuade him to change his faith. One day, when they were drunk, the shopkeeper drove them out with the help of the sturdy Demetrios. In the scuffle one of the Turks was wounded and accused Demetrios. Brought before the vizier, the young man could not prove his innocence and was given a choice: become a Muslim or die. Demetrios stood firm in the Christian faith, and the vizier ordered him beheaded. Before the execution he was brought once more before the vizier, but again he did not yield to flattery, promises and torments, especially those of his own accusers.

On 27 January 1784 he was beheaded in front of the wine shop where he worked. He is commemorated on 27 January (new style).