Holy Martyr Longinus

Life

The divine Evangelist Matthew, describing the suffering of the Lord Jesus Christ, says: Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God (Matthew 27:54). That centurion was this blessed Longinus, who together with two more of his soldiers believed in the Son of God, Jesus. He was the commander of the soldiers who were present at the crucifixion of the Lord on Golgotha, and the commander of the guard that watched over the tomb. When the Jewish leaders learned of Christ's Resurrection, they bribed the soldiers to spread the false report that Christ had not risen but that His disciples had stolen Him. The Jews also attempted to bribe Longinus, but he would not be bribed. Then the Jews resorted to their customary method — they resolved to kill Longinus. Learning of this, Longinus removed his soldier's belt, was baptized by the apostles together with those two companions of his, and together with them secretly departed from Jerusalem and moved to Cappadocia. There he gave himself over to fasting and prayer, and as a living witness of Christ's Resurrection he converted many pagans to the true Faith by his testimony. After that he withdrew to a village on his father's estate. But Jewish malice did not leave him in peace even there. At the slander of the Jews, Pilate sent soldiers to behead Longinus. Holy Longinus foresaw in spirit the approach of his executioners and went out to meet them and brought them into his home without telling them who he was. Well hosted, the soldiers lay down to sleep, and Saint Longinus stood in prayer and prayed the whole night, preparing himself for death. In the morning he went and brought his two companions also, dressed himself in white burial garments, instructed the members of his household, and showed them a place on a small hill where they should bury him. Then he revealed himself to the soldiers and told them that he was Longinus, whom they were seeking. The soldiers were confused and ashamed, and did not wish to behead Longinus, but he insisted that they fulfill the command of their superior. And so Longinus and his two companions were beheaded. The soldiers brought the head of Longinus to Pilate, and Pilate handed it over to the Jews, who buried it in a dung heap outside the city.

From the Hymn of Praise

Holy Longinus stood beneath the Cross,When Christ upon the Cross breathed His last.Longinus saw the wrath of gracious heaven,Longinus saw the earth begin to quake,