Orthodox churches commemorate Saint Longinus the Centurion on Oct. 16, honoring a Roman soldier who, according to church tradition, witnessed Jesus’ crucifixion, became a Christian and was later executed for his faith.
The Orthodox Church in America’s account says Longinus served in Judea under Pontius Pilate and commanded the soldiers stationed at Golgotha. The Gospel accounts do not name the centurion at the cross, but the tradition identifies him as Longinus and connects him with the confession, “Truly this was the Son of God” (Matthew 27:54).
The OCA also presents as tradition the claim that Longinus was the soldier who pierced Jesus’ side with a spear. According to that account, blood and water from the wound healed an eye ailment. The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch likewise describes the spear-bearer as Longinus in “some Church traditions,” distinguishing that later identification from the unnamed soldier in the Gospel narrative.
In the Orthodox accounts, Longinus later refused to support the report that Jesus’ disciples had stolen his body. The OCA says he and two fellow soldiers rejected a bribe, received baptism from the apostles and left military service. Longinus then traveled to Cappadocia, where he preached about Christ and helped spread Christianity.
The Antiochian Orthodox Patriarchate’s account says Jewish leaders persuaded Pilate to order Longinus’ death. Soldiers sent to find him unknowingly stayed at his home, where he fed them before revealing his identity. Longinus and the two soldiers with him then declined an opportunity to escape and were beheaded, according to the church tradition.
The OCA’s commemoration records Longinus as a martyr, while the Antiochian account also recounts traditions concerning the burial of his head in Cappadocia. His feast remains part of the Orthodox calendar, with services including a troparion and kontakion honoring him as the centurion who stood at the cross.
Image Credits:
• Crucifiction of Jesus with Saint Longinus wearing red via Wikimedia Commons by Meister des Rabula-Evangeliums with usage type - Public Domain, 586 AD
Featured Image Credit:
• Crucifiction of Jesus with Saint Longinus wearing red via Wikimedia Commons by Meister des Rabula-Evangeliums with usage type - Public Domain, 586 AD