The Church of Saint Dimitrios

The Cathedral of Saint Dimitrios is in the center of the old city of Thessaloniki – just to the Northeast of the Ancient Market – on the street Saint Dimitriou. There is a crypt under the altar. Originally, this was a small church, built by the Christians of Thessaloniki (on the ruins of a Roman bath), in order to honor their fellow-citizen, the great martyr Saint Dimitrios.This early church was built in 324 AD, the year that Emperor Constantine established Christianity as the official religion of the state. However, it wasn’t until later that the church was transformed into an adoration center of the Saint- crowds of pilgrims came to pray and to be healed from serious diseases with the myrrh which was reported to be coming out of his grave. Among the pilgrims who were healed was the sub-prefect of Illyrikon, Leontios.

Panoramic view of the Church of Saint Demetrius of Thessaloniki

This early church was built in 324 AD, the year that Emperor Constantine established Christianity as the official religion of the state. However, it wasn’t until later that the church was transformed into an adoration center of the Saint- crowds of pilgrims came to pray and to be healed from serious diseases with the myrrh which was reported to be coming out of his grave. Among the pilgrims who were healed was the sub-prefect of Illyrikon, Leontios

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