Saint
Longinus the Centurion
Martyr Longinus the Centurion, who stood at the Cross of the Lord and with him 2 other Martyrs (1st C)
New Calendar October 16 Old Calendar October 29
Why they are a saint
Longinus is the name given to the unknown Roman soldier who pierced the side of Jesus with a lance, who in medieval and some modern Christian traditions is described as a convert to Christianity. His name first appeared in the apocryphal Gospel of Nicodemus. The lance is called in Catholic Christianity the "Holy Lance" and the story is related in the Gospel of John during the Crucifixion.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Longinus the Centurion as a patron when they bear the name Longinus at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on October 16. As a martyr, he is also asked for courage and faithfulness under trial.
Prayer
O holy Longinus the Centurion, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.