Great Martyr Dimitrios was a Christian and the only son of the military commander of Thessalonica in the early fourth century. He was most carefully cherished and educated, and when his father died, he was appointed by Emperor Maximian to take his place. Maximian, an opponent of Christ, charged Dimitrios to persecute Christians in the city. Instead, Dimitrios openly confessed and preached Christianity. The Emperor was furious and went to Thessalonica to look into the matter. He summoned Dimitrios and questioned him about his faith. Dimitrios confessed his belief as well as his disgust for idolatry (and thus openly criticising the Emperor himself). The enraged Emperor cast him into prison, and Dimitrios, knowing his fate, had his servant Lupus give his wealth to the poor. In Thessaloniki there is a great church dedicated to him, and he is also the protector of this city, since he managed to fight off invading Bulgarians. In art he is depicted as a warrior, often on a horse.