Saint Demetrius suffered in Thessaloniki, Greece during the reign of Galerius Maximian (c. 306). He belonged to one of the most distinguished families of the province of Macedonia and was widely admired not only because of his noble ancestry and grace of bearing but also for virtue, wisdom, and goodness of heart surpassing that of his elders.

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witness, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endures the Cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the Throne of God" (Hebrews 12:1-2).

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ became flesh (incarnate) for us and for our salvation out of obedience to the Father. "He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross", and therefore His name is exalted above every name, and He has become the Author of our salvation (Hebrews 5:8-9): "so by the obedience of One shall many be made righteous" (Romans 5:19).

The spiritual condition of a person and the grace he possesses is demonstrated by the patience he has. The proof of the existence of this virtue is the tolerance, longsuffering, patience. These are the jewels of every struggling Christian.

Nothing makes the way for the approach of God easier as does the mercy that is offered from the depth of the soul for those who are in need. The Lord said: "Inasmuch you did it to one of the least of my brothers, you did it to Me" (St. Matthew 25:40).

What is spiritual blindness? It is people's inability to see into the essence of what is happening around them. It is the inability to see good and evil, to discern truth from lies.