At this time, 740 AD, the
emperor of Constantinople was a great persecutor of Christians who opposed
iconoclasm.
At the particular moment of the earthquake, the Emperor Leo was burning and
defacing the icons in the churches.
Then a terrible earthquake occurred, shaking the grounds and crumbling many buildings. The people viewed this as an act from God condemning them for the destruction of icons.
While the earthquake was occurring, they repented of their ways and cried out to Saint Dimitrios asking him to intervene.
Through the prayers of Saint Dimitrios, God had mercy on the people of Constantinople and the earthquake ceased.
The people rejoiced and gave thanks to God for this miracle!