The Bringing Up of the Relics of Saint Demetrius, Metropolitan of Rostov (1752)

The holy hierarch Demetrius of Rostov (in the world Daniel Savvich Tuptalo) was born in December 1651 in the town of Makarovo near Kiev, into a devout family. He was educated at the Kiev-Mohyla College, and on 9 July 1668 he was tonsured a monk and named Demetrius (in honour of the Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica). On 23 May 1675 the saint was ordained hieromonk.

In 1701, for his devout life and unwearying labours, Father Demetrius was consecrated Metropolitan of Tobolsk, but because of illness he remained in Moscow and soon took the widowed see of the Metropolitan of Rostov. The blessed hierarch laboured zealously to strengthen the unity of the Church, fought the schism of the Old Believers, and cared for the purity of divine worship and for the upbringing and education of the clergy; the holy father’s personal life shone with strict fasting, prayer and works of charity. The hierarch Demetrius is especially known for his literary works. By collating numerous sources, the blessed father compiled in Russian the Menaion, the readings of the Lives of the Saints for the whole year. He gave twenty years to this work.

Saint Demetrius reposed in peace on 28 October 1709 and, as he had asked in his testament, was buried in the church. During repair work in the church the grave was opened, and it was found that the hierarch’s remains, laid in very damp earth, showed no trace of corruption. Many miraculous healings took place at his body. On 22 April 1757 Demetrius of Rostov was numbered among the saints.

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