Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Joel 2:13b
Demetrios (1803)
Re-committed to Christ
Demetrios, a Greek Christian, converted to Islam after falling into the company of a Muslim barber who gave him accommodation when he went to work as a builder in Tripolis. He had not previously encountered Islam, and it made a strong impression on him. But after a little while, Demetrios came to a realisation of what he had done and deeply regretted his conversion. So he fled to the city of Smyrna, where he resolved to return to Tripolis, hand himself over to the Muslim authorities and confess his decision to turn back to Christ. Back in Tripolis, the authorities tried to make him deny Christ, using a combination of bribery and torture, but he refused. On 14 April 1803 he gave his life for Christ.
Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, grant, we pray, that we may be grounded and settled in your truth by the coming of your Holy Spirit into our hearts.
What we do not know, reveal to us;
What is lacking within us, make complete;
That which we do know, confirm in us;
And keep us blameless in your service, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Clement of Rome (martyred c. 100)