Check out the new 2025 Lives of the Saints Calendar - Now shipping!
View more saints

Saint Demetrius of Rostov

About Saint Demetrius of Rostov

Saint Demetrius of Rostov, also known as Dimitry of Rostov, is a significant figure in the Eastern Orthodox Church. A leading opponent of the Catholic influence in the Russian Orthodox Church, he is best known for his many edifying works, most notably "The Lives of the Saints."

Feast Day

October 28

Birth Place

Makarovo, Ukraine

Born

December 11, 1651

Reposed

October 28, 1709
Saint Demetrius of Rostov

Photo credit to

Byzantine Orthodox Art

Early Life and Education

01

Early Life and Education

Born on October 26, 1651, in Makarovo, Ukraine, Daniel Savich Stavrovetsky (later to be known as Demetrius) showed a keen interest in religious studies from an early age. After completing his initial education at the Kiev Mogila Academy, he took monastic vows in 1675, adopting the name Demetrius.

02

Ecclesiastical Career

Demetrius became the Bishop of Rostov in 1702 after refusing several other offers of becoming a bishop, insisting he preferred the life of a monk. He worked to strengthen the faith of his flock and was particularly devoted to improving the education of priests. His efforts towards education were instrumental in improving the quality of homilies and thus spiritual life in Russia.

Ecclesiastical Career

Later Life and Canonization

03

Later Life and Canonization

A noted scholar and writer, Saint Demetrius's most significant contribution to the Orthodox Church is "The Lives of the Saints," a twelve-volume set in which he documented the lives and works of numerous saints for each day of the year. This work continues to be a source of spiritual nourishment and an educational tool for Orthodox Christians worldwide.

Demetrius reposed peacefully in the Lord on October 28, 1709. His incorrupt relics remain in the Dormition Cathedral in Rostov. He was glorified (canonized) as a saint by the Russian Orthodox Church in 1757.

04

Legacy

Saint Demetrius of Rostov is celebrated for his profound spiritual writings, his passion for religious education, and his stalwart defense of the Orthodox faith. His life serves as an example of dedication, scholarship, and devout faith.

For those interested in exploring more about Orthodox Saints, we invite you to explore our collection here. Discover the inspiring life and works of a saint who greatly impacted Orthodox spiritual life.

Legacy

Relics

Where are the relics of Saint Demetrius of Rostov

Saint Demetrius of Rostov's relics are enshrined in the Holy Trinity Cathedral of the St. Job of Pochaev Lavra in Pochaev, Ukraine. Devotees often visit this sacred site to venerate the relics and seek the intercessions of Saint Demetrius of Rostov.
Discover Our Newly Launched CHRISTMAS CARDS 🌟
Each adorned with inspiring Orthodox quotes to warm the hearts of your loved ones this festive season.

Written Works

Lives of the Saints (January) by St. Demetrius of Rostov

This book contains the full length, unabridged lives of the saints for each day of the month, including: Basil the Great, the 70 Apostles, Anthony the Great, Xenophon and Mary and their sons John and Arcadius. Softcover.

Buy it now

Credit card mockups

Orthodox Fasting
Calendar

Each page is enriched with insightful teachings from revered Saints and elders, daily commemorations, Gospel and Epistle readings, fasting guidelines, and feast references.
Header image

Other Saints from this region

Saint Paisius Velichkovsky

Saint Paisius Velichkovsky

Saint Paisius Velichkovsky, also known as Paisij Velychkovsky, was an Eastern Orthodox monk and theologian who revitalized the practice of hesychasm, a method of prayer, and monastic life in general in the late 18th century.
Read More
Subscribe to receive news, articles and more from the Orthodox Calendar Company
Thanks for joining our newsletter.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
History of Orthodoxy in Ukraine

Eastern Orthodoxy in Ukraine: A Journey through Faith, History, and Resilience

Embark on a profound exploration of Eastern Orthodoxy in Ukraine, a country where the faith has deep historical roots and holds a central place in its cultural and spiritual fabric. Ukraine stands as a testament to the enduring strength and significance of the Orthodox Christian heritage.
Orthodox Church
2025 digital lives of the saints calendar

Amazon Kindle - Digital

Download the 2025 Lives of the Saints Calendar

This 365-page daily calendar book features the life of an Orthodox saint, insightful teachings from the Saints and elders of the Church, a list of all commemorations for the day, Gospel and Epistle readings, fasting guidelines, and references to feasts. The stories include the lives of Greek, Russian, Georgian, Romanian, Ukrainian, Serbian, English, Celtic, and American saints.

Download Now