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Saint Longinus | |
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Born | 1st century Cappadocia |
Died | 1st century Cappadocia |
Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church Eastern Orthodox Church Armenian Apostolic Church Eastern Catholic Churches |
Major shrine | Inside the Basilica di San Pietro, in the Vatican. |
Feast | October 16: Eastern Orthodox Church, Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Catholic Churches; October 22: Armenian Apostolic Church. |
Attributes | Military attire |
Longinus is the name given in medieval and modern Christian traditions to the Roman soldier who pierced Jesus in his side with a lance while he was on the Cross. The Longinus legend further identifies this soldier as the centurion present at the Crucifixion, who testified, "In truth this man was son of God." Longinus' legend grew over the years to the point that he was said to have converted to Christianity after the Crucifixion, and he is traditionally venerated as a saint in various Christian denominations.