By Photios Kontoglou
Saint Demetrios, together with Saint George, are the two brave young lads of Christendom. They are down here on earth, and the two archangels Michael and Gabriel are in heaven.
In ancient times they were painted without arms, but in later years they were depicted armed with swords and spears and dressed in iron shirts. On one shoulder they have their helmet, on the other their shield, and in the middle are the straps that support the sheath of the sword.
In recent years, after the siege of the city of Constantinople, these two Saints and many times other military Saints are painted riding on horses, Saint George in white, Saint Demetrios in red. And one is fighting a beast and the other a warrior, Lyaeus.
These arms worn by these Saints represent spiritual weapons, like the ones the apostle Paul talks about:
"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."
This heroic and pious character of the warriors, who were martyred for Christ as meek lambs, refers to their spirituality.
Source: Translated by John Sanidopoulos.
In ancient times they were painted without arms, but in later years they were depicted armed with swords and spears and dressed in iron shirts. On one shoulder they have their helmet, on the other their shield, and in the middle are the straps that support the sheath of the sword.
In recent years, after the siege of the city of Constantinople, these two Saints and many times other military Saints are painted riding on horses, Saint George in white, Saint Demetrios in red. And one is fighting a beast and the other a warrior, Lyaeus.
These arms worn by these Saints represent spiritual weapons, like the ones the apostle Paul talks about:
"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."
This heroic and pious character of the warriors, who were martyred for Christ as meek lambs, refers to their spirituality.
Source: Translated by John Sanidopoulos.