Martyr 4th century

Martyr Lupus of Thessalonica

late 3rd – early 4th century

Also known as Luppos · Lupus, servant of Demetrius

A faithful servant of Saint Demetrius of Thessalonica who was present at his master's martyrdom and later confessed Christ himself.

Feast Day

August 23

Also Oct 26

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Commemorated as

The Holy Martyr Lupus of Thessalonica

Life

Lupus was a servant of the Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica, living at the end of the third and the beginning of the fourth century. According to the synaxarion, he was present at the death of his master and, gathering relics of the martyrdom, soaked his own garment in Demetrius's blood and took a ring from his hand. He is commemorated on August 23, and again on October 26 together with Saint Demetrius.

By tradition, with the bloodstained garment, the ring, and the invocation of the name of Saint Demetrius, Lupus worked many miracles at Thessalonica, healing the sick of various pains and infirmities. He also destroyed pagan idols, for which he was persecuted by the pagans of the city, yet the sources relate that he was preserved unharmed by the power of God.

When his miracles became known, the emperor Maximian Galerius ordered that Lupus be put to death, and he was beheaded by the sword. The Prologue of Ohrid records that, although a believer, Lupus had not yet received baptism, and that before his death he prayed and was granted baptism.

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Relics of the Martyrdom

The defining episode of Lupus's life in the synaxarion is his presence at the martyrdom of his master, Saint Demetrius of Thessalonica, who was put to death during the reign of Maximian. According to the account, Lupus took up the relics of that martyrdom for himself, dipping his garment in the blood of Demetrius and taking the ring from his hand.

These objects became the instruments of his own ministry. The tradition holds that, bearing the blood-soaked garment and the ring and calling upon the name of Saint Demetrius, Lupus healed many at Thessalonica, so that his life is presented as a continuation of his master's intercession.

Persecution and Death

Lupus openly destroyed the idols of the pagans, drawing persecution upon himself; the synaxarion relates that he was nonetheless kept unharmed by divine power. The Prologue of Ohrid adds that soldiers sent to seize him turned their weapons against one another.

By the order of the emperor Maximian Galerius, Lupus was beheaded. The Prologue records the tradition that, not yet having been baptized, he prayed for baptism before his death and that rain fell upon him in answer to his prayer.

Notes

Also commemorated Oct 26 (with St Demetrius).

Sources: OCA Synaxarion (oca.org), Lives of the Saints