Translation of the Relics of St. Demetrius, Metropolitan of Rostov (1752) — September 21 / October 4 (Julian Calendar)

On this day, September 21 according to the Julian Calendar (October 4 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates the translation of the relics of St. Demetrius, Metropolitan of Rostov.

Holy hierarch Demetrius of Rostov (in the world Daniel, son of Savva Tuptalo) was born in December 1651 in the village of Makarovo near Kyiv, into a pious family. He was educated at the Kyiv-Mohyla College, and on July 9, 1668 he took monastic vows and was named Demetrius, in honor of the Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica. On May 23, 1675 the saint was ordained hieromonk. In 1701 Father Demetrius, for his pious life and tireless labors, was consecrated Metropolitan of Tobolsk, but because of illness he remained in Moscow and soon took the widowed see of Rostov.

The blessed hierarch labored zealously to strengthen the unity of the Church, fought the Old Believer schism, cared for the sanctity of divine services and for the training and education of the clergy; his personal life was radiant with strict fasting, prayer, and works of charity. Saint Demetrius is especially known for his literary works. After consulting a great many sources, the blessed father compiled, in Russian, readings on the lives of the saints for the whole year, the Menaion. This labor took him twenty years.

Saint Demetrius reposed peacefully on October 28, 1709, and, according to his will, was buried in the church. During repair work in the church the grave was opened, and it was discovered that the body of the hierarch, laid in very damp earth, showed no trace of corruption. Many miraculous healings took place at his relics. On April 22, 1757 Demetrius of Rostov was numbered among the saints.

The blessed father is commemorated twice a year, on September 21 and October 28. September 21 is the day of the translation of his incorrupt relics.