The Holy Martyr Longinus the Centurion Who stood at the foot of the Cross

On October 16, the Church remembers Longinus. He was the centurion in command at the crucifixion of Jesus and in the watch that guarded the tomb (Matthew 27:54). Moved by what he had seen, Longinus left the Roman army, was baptized by the apostles, and returned to his home in Cappadocia, preaching Christ. Pilate reported him to Emperor Tiberius who had him beheaded. His head was sent to Pilate as proof that he had been put to death.