Saint Demetrius Relic Altar Stone 1859

Altar Stone with Relics of Saint Demetrius of Thessaloniki, Great Martyr

and Original Roman Ecclesiastical Authentica, Dated 1859

An impressive marble altar stone containing sacred relics of Saint Demetrius of Thessaloniki, the Great Martyr, traditionally intended for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.

The altar stone measures 35 × 32.5 cm, weighs 5.7 kg, and features the five traditional consecration crosses associated with Catholic altar stones.

Within the marble is a specially prepared reliquary sepulchre containing sacred relics of Saint Demetrius, enclosed and protected by an ecclesiastical wax seal. This sealed compartment reflects the ancient Christian tradition of placing the relics of martyrs within altars used for the celebration of the Holy Mass.

The altar stone is accompanied by its original Roman ecclesiastical Authentica, dated 1859 (MDCCCLIX), issued under the authority of Cardinal Costantino Patrizi Naro, Vicar General of His Holiness the Pope for the Diocese of Rome.

Saint Demetrius of Thessaloniki — The Great Martyr

Saint Demetrius of Thessaloniki is one of the most celebrated military martyrs of early Christianity and among the most deeply venerated saints of the Eastern Christian tradition.

According to ancient Christian tradition, Saint Demetrius lived during the reign of the Roman Emperor Diocletian and suffered martyrdom in Thessaloniki in the early fourth century for his steadfast profession of the Christian faith.

His courage, devotion, and refusal to renounce Christianity established him as a powerful symbol of spiritual victory over persecution.

Throughout the centuries, Saint Demetrius became particularly revered as the patron saint and heavenly protector of Thessaloniki, where the magnificent Basilica of Saint Demetrius remains one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in the Christian world.

In Eastern Christianity, he is also honoured as Saint Demetrius the Myrrh-Streamer, reflecting the longstanding devotional traditions associated with his tomb and sacred relics.

His veneration spread widely throughout the Byzantine world, the Balkans, and Eastern Europe, where he continues to be honoured as a defender of the Christian faith and a model of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion to Christ.

Historical and Liturgical Significance

The placement of sacred relics within Christian altars is a tradition dating back to the earliest centuries of the Church, when the Holy Eucharist was frequently celebrated at or near the tombs of martyrs.

This practice expresses the profound spiritual connection between the sacrifice of Christ, the witness of the martyrs, and the celebration of the Eucharist.

The five consecration crosses carved into the marble recall the Five Holy Wounds of Christ and reflect the traditional liturgical symbolism of the altar.

This substantial marble altar stone preserves its sealed reliquary compartment containing relics of Saint Demetrius of Thessaloniki, together with its original nineteenth-century Roman ecclesiastical documentation.

A remarkable historical and devotional object, combining the sacred traditions of the Catholic altar with the veneration of Saint Demetrius of Thessaloniki, one of Christianity's most celebrated Great Martyrs.

Object Details

• Object: Marble altar stone with sacred relics
• Saint: Saint Demetrius of Thessaloniki, Great Martyr
• Dimensions: 35 × 32.5 cm
• Weight: 5.7 kg
• Date of Authentica: 1859 (MDCCCLIX)
• Documentation: Original Roman ecclesiastical Authentica
• Relics: Saint Demetrius of Thessaloniki, Great Martyr
• Sealed compartment: Ecclesiastical wax seal
• Liturgical features: Five consecration crosses

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