05/12/2026
What does it truly mean to be part of the Body of Christ? In this powerful sermon, Metropolitan Demetrius of America explains the Orthodox understanding of the saints, martyrdom, the Divine Liturgy, and theosis through the life of Saint George and the Feast of Mid-Pentecost. Learn why the Church venerates saints and relics, how heaven and earth unite in worship, and why courage, repentance, and humility are essential for Christians seeking spiritual growth in today’s world.
The Saints, Theosis, and the Body of Christ
“When we honor the saints, we receive a small little drop of their holiness.”
This sermon powerfully explains why Orthodox Christians venerate saints, relics, icons, candles, incense, and holy offerings. Metropolitan Demetrius teaches that all honor ultimately belongs to Christ because the saints are united to Him through theosis.
“We don’t understand the church in some type of separatist way… but we understand the church to be the body of Christ.”
He describes the Church not as a mere gathering, but as a living mystical body in which the saints, martyrs, angels, clergy, monastics, and faithful are all united in Christ.
The Mind of the Church vs. Private Interpretation
“I’d rather hear the interpretation of the apostles and of the saints and of the disciples of the apostles rather than people who make up their own church,” states Metropolitan Demetrius. He explains that the Orthodox Faith can only truly be understood through “repentance, illumination, and theosis,” not through prideful reasoning or disconnected scholarship.
Saint George and the Witness of the Martyrs
“Many of the Christians saw this as an opportunity to give their lives to Christ.”
The sermon recounts the courage of Saint George during the persecutions of Diocletian and reflects on the countless martyrs whose blood sanctified the Church.
“Cities and places were soaked with the blood of the martyrs.”
Metropolitan Demetrius also shares moving accounts of miracles associated with Saint George, including a striking story from the homeland of his ancestors concerning the keeping of the saint’s true feast day and a miraculous visitation during an all-night vigil.
The Divine Liturgy — Heaven and Earth United
“Heaven and earth truly are united.”
One of the central themes of the sermon is the greatness of the Divine Liturgy. Metropolitan Demetrius describes the liturgy as the meeting place between heaven and earth:
“It is the connecting point between this world and that world.”
He reminds the faithful that the saints and angels mystically worship together with the Church during the Eucharist and that the liturgy is the supreme thanksgiving and offering to God.
A Call to Courage and Holiness
“Let’s pray to Saint George that he help us to be true Christians.”
This sermon is a call to steadfast faith, reverence, repentance, and courage in an age of confusion and spiritual weakness. It reminds Orthodox Christians that holiness is not abstract, but lived through worship, sacrifice, humility, and communion with Christ and His saints.
“God makes us gods by grace… he wants us to participate in his glory.”
What does it truly mean to be part of the Body of Christ? In this powerful sermon, Metropolitan Demetrius of America explains the Orthodox understanding of t...
