Today is the commemoration of a martyr, Longinos the Centurion. Longinos was in the service of Pontius Pilate during the time Christ was preaching in Palestine. It is this Martyr, Longinos, who is said to be, by tradition, the Roman soldier who pierced the side of Christ. As soon as he pierced the Body of the Lord the earth shook and the soldier proclaimed, "Truly this was the Son of God" (Matt. 27:54). After the Resurrection of our Lord, Longinos left the service of the Roman military and left for his homeland in Cappadocia. There he took up preaching news of Jesus Christ. He was arrested and beheaded by Tiberius Caesar.
Apolytikion:
Thy Martyr, O Lord, in his courageous contest for Thee received the prize of the crowns of incorruption and life from Thee, our immortal God. For since he possessed Thy strength, he cast down the tyrants and wholly destroyed the demons' strengthless presumption. O Christ God, by his prayers, save our souls, since Thou art merciful.
Kontakion:
With great joy the Church of Christ today rejoiceth on the festive memory of blest Longinus, the all-famed and godly prizewinner. And she doth cry out: O Christ, my foundation and might art Thou.
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