Demetrian was elected bishop of Antioch in 253 CE in succession to Fabian (see Eus. Hist. eccl. 6.46.4 and 7.14; Chron. Olym 258.1). He actively opposed the heresy of Novatus, a rigorous heretic as regards penance (see Eus. Hist. eccl. 7.5.1; see Sisto, 1994). In 256 CE the Persians, led by King Shapur I, invaded Antioch and deported the inhabitants of various cities to Persia. Even Bishop Demetrian, together with many inhabitants of Antioch, was confined to the city of Bendoshapur/Gundaisabur (see Peeters, 1924; Chaumont, 1986, 119–125). The bishop continued his episcopal ministry…