Saint Sebastian

Deceased Person

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Who was Saint Sebastian?

Saint Sebastian was an early Christian saint and martyr. It is said that he was killed during the Roman emperor Diocletian's persecution of Christians. He is commonly depicted in art and literature tied to a post or tree and shot with arrows. This is the most common artistic depiction of Sebastian; however, according to legend, he was rescued and healed by Irene of Rome. Shortly afterwards he criticized Diocletian in person and as a result was clubbed to death. He is venerated in the Catholic and Orthodox Churches.

The details of Saint Sebastian's martyrdom were first spoken of by 4th-century bishop Ambrose of Milan, in his sermon on Psalm 118. Ambrose stated that Sebastian came from Milan and that he was already venerated there at that time. Saint Sebastian is a popular male saint, especially among soldiers and athletes, who often wear his medal as a pious sacramental. He is commonly known as the "Patron Saint of Sports."

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Also known as
  • Sebastian
  • St. Sebastian
Religion
  • Christianity
Died
0288
Rome

Submitted
on July 23, 2013

Citation

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"Saint Sebastian." Biographies.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.biographies.net/people/en/saint_sebastian>.

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