On October 26, 2025, the faithful at St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church in Urbana gathered in reverent celebration of Great-Martyr Demetrios the Myrrh-Streaming and the Sixth Sunday of Luke, embracing a liturgy that wove together remembrance, healing, and holy witness.
The Divein Liturgy opened with Tone 3 hymns of resurrection, calling all creation to rejoice in the triumph of Christ. The faithful were invited to contemplate the life and martyrdom of St. Demetrios of Thessaloniki, pierced by spears for his unwavering confession of Christ. His fragrant relics, streaming myrrh, became a sign of divine grace and healing—a reminder that suffering borne in love becomes a vessel of sanctity.
The Gospel reading from Luke 8:26–39 recounted Christ’s healing of the man possessed by demons in the country of the Gadarenes. This dramatic encounter revealed the Lord’s authority over spiritual darkness and His tender restoration of human dignity. The man, once tormented, sat clothed and in his right mind at Jesus’ feet—an image of peace reclaimed through divine mercy.
In the homily, worshippers were invited to reflect on the power of holy presence: Demetrios stood firm in the face of imperial violence, and the healed man bore witness to Christ’s compassion. Both became icons of transformation—one through martyrdom, the other through healing. The liturgy called each soul to consider: Where do we stand in the face of fear, injustice, or despair? How do we bear witness to the One who restores and redeems?
The commemoration of the Great Earthquake in Constantinople (740) added a layer of historical memory, reminding the Church of its enduring prayers for protection and renewal in times of upheaval. The faithful lifted intercessions for peace, healing, and steadfastness in a world still trembling with uncertainty.
As the choir chanted the Apolytikion of St. Demetrios—“The world has found you to be a great defense against tribulation”—the sanctuary became a place of refuge and renewal. The myrrh of the martyr mingled with the tears and prayers of the people, sanctifying their struggles and hopes.
In closing, the faithful were sent forth with hearts stirred by the witness of Demetrios and the healing of the Gospel. May we, too, become vessels of mercy, defenders of truth, and bearers of peace in our own communities. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us and heal our world. Through the prayers of Your holy martyr Demetrios, strengthen us to stand, to serve, and to shine with Your light. Amen
Whispers of Grace 
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