1st century
Saint Longinus the Centurion
Roman centurion who, according to tradition, was present at the Crucifixion, came to believe in Christ and was later beheaded for his faith in his homeland.
Biography
Longinus was a centurion under the command of Pontius Pilate, in the time of Emperor Tiberius. He served at the Crucifixion, burial and sealing of Christ's tomb.
When he saw the earthquake and the tombs opening, he came to believe that the Crucified one was truly the Son of God. He resigned his post and left with two fellow soldiers for his homeland to preach the Resurrection.
Pilate reported his desertion to Tiberius, who sent soldiers to kill him. Longinus welcomed them as guests, prepared a tomb for himself and his two faithful companions, and was beheaded the next day.