Celebration date: 18/12/2021
Saint Sebastian was born in Milan, Italy, between 250 and 256 AD. His parents raised him with great Christian diligence. As he was also of distinguished birth, he attracted the favor of the emperor Karinus, who quickly promoted him as a military man.
Later, Diocletian made him commander of the first praetorian regiment. Sebastianos was a philanthropic soul, from this position he was often a protector of the poor and suffering Christians. He also willingly assisted in the needs of the Roman Church. That is why Pope Gaius awarded him the title of defender of the Church. But when the persecution against the Christians began, a group of Christians was arrested.
Sebastianos, in order to cheer them up while they were on trial, to the general astonishment of everyone, declared that he was a Christian. Diocletian ordered his death. And Sebastian soon fell down, pierced in the chest by an arrow.
His body was received by a pious widow, Lucina. But he found that he was still breathing. After treating him, after a few days Sevastianos recovered his health. But again he pursued and met Diocletian and tested him for his cruelty. Then he ordered and they flogged him to death. Thus, Sebastian became an example of fighting for the faith “without death” (Revelation of John, i’ 10).