In the Roman Catholic Church, Sebastian is commemorated by an optional memorial on 20 January. In the Church of Greece, Sebastian's feast day is on 18 December. As a protector from the bubonic plague, Sebastian was formerly one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers.
What is the feast day of St Sebastian?
January 20 Sebastian, (died c. 288, Rome [Italy]; feast day January 20), early Christian saint popularized by Renaissance painters and believed to have been martyred during the persecution of Christians by the Roman emperor Diocletian.
Why is Saint Sebastian Feast Day on January 20?
January 20th is the feast day of St Sebastian, the patron saint of soldiers and archers, who was also commonly invoked as a protector against the plague. According to legend, Sebastian was an officer in the elite Praetorian Guard during the reign of the emperor Diocletian (r. 284-305).
What is the symbol of Saint Sebastian?
According to legend, Saint Sebastian was martyred by the Roman emperor Diocletian for his Christian faith. By the 16th century, artists were using Christian tales as an excuse to portray the humanistic nude body. The four arrows piercing Sebastian's body represent a symbolic wounding of a flawless body.
What miracle did St Sebastian do?
According to legend, Sebastian went into the military so he could comfort, aid and bolster the faith of Christians swept up in a bloody persecution led by the 3rd century emperor, Diocletian. When Sebastian was finally exposed as a Christian, the furious emperor ordered him tied to a tree and shot by archers.
What is Saint Sebastian most known for?
Saint Sebastian is a popular male saint, especially today among athletes. In medieval times, he was regarded as a saint with a special ability to intercede to protect from plague, and devotion to him greatly increased when plague was active….
| Saint Sebastian | |
|---|---|
| Born | c. AD 256 |
| Died | c. AD 288 (aged approximately 32) |
Who is the patron saint of martial arts?
Saint Bruce Saint Bruce, Patron Saint of the Martial Arts.
What virtues did Saint Sebastian practice?
The artistic depiction of St Sebastian is considered symbolic of the virtues and gifts of strength, stamina, perseverance, courage and justice in the face of adversity.