Saint Demetrius of Thessaloniki Relic – 1951 Certificate, Ex Ossibus

A historic Catholic relic identified as Saint Demetrius of Thessaloniki, accompanied by an original ecclesiastical certificate dated 8 January 1951 and issued in Bari, Italy, under the authority of Archbishop Marcello Mimmi.

The certificate identifies the relic as ex ossibus Sancti Demetrii Thessalonicensis Militis Martyris — “from the bones of Saint Demetrius of Thessaloniki, soldier and martyr.”

The document records that the relic was placed in a round silver reliquary (theca argentea rotundae formae), carefully enclosed and secured according to the ecclesiastical procedures described in the certificate. The accompanying reliquary features a decorative metal frame, a glass viewing window, a red fabric backing, and a relic fragment displayed beneath its original identification label, S. Demetrii Mil. M.

Saint Demetrius of Thessaloniki is one of the most venerated military saints in Eastern Christianity and is also honoured in the Catholic tradition. Remembered as a Christian martyr, he is especially associated with the city of Thessaloniki, Greece, where the Basilica of Saint Demetrius stands as a major centre of his veneration.

Item Details

• Saint: Saint Demetrius of Thessaloniki

• Titles stated in the certificate: Soldier and Martyr

• Relic classification stated in the document: Ex ossibus — from the bones

• Certificate date: 8 January 1951

• Place of issue: Bari, Italy

• Ecclesiastical authority named: Archbishop Marcello Mimmi

• Reliquary: Round decorative metal case with glass viewing window

• Approximate width: 3 cm

• Included: The relic in its reliquary and the original accompanying ecclesiastical certificate shown in the photographs

Condition

This antique religious object shows signs of age. The certificate displays age-related toning, folds, and wear. The reliquary shows wear to its metal finish and decorative details. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description.

Historical Documentation

The relic is identified by its accompanying ecclesiastical certificate dated 1951 and the label inside the reliquary. The certificate uses the phrase ex ossibus. No independent scientific examination has been performed to verify the material or provenance of the relic fragment.

A distinctive historical devotional object for collectors of Catholic relics, antique reliquaries, and ecclesiastical documents.