Saint Longinus was a Roman soldier who, according to tradition, pierced the side of the crucified Jesus with a spear (John 19:34) and is associated with the centurion who declared Jesus righteous (Luke 23:47, Matthew 27:54) or the Son of God (Mark 15:39). The name of this centurion is not known, but he is called “Longinus,” derived from the Latin longus (long, high) or the Greek word for spear. Sometimes, the name Gaius Cassius is added. The name “Longinus” is not mentioned in the Four Gospels, but he is found in the apocryphal Gospel of Nicodemus. According to one version of his life, he suffered from cataracts, but when the blood of Jesus splashed into his eyes, Longinus was healed, believed, and was baptized by the apostles.

Longinus is also sometimes associated with the guards of the Holy Sepulchre who witnessed the Resurrection. After these events, he returned to his native Cappadocia. According to tradition, Longinus lived there for many years, converting many to Christianity. However, due to his refusal to worship pagan idols, the local blind ruler condemned him to death. While awaiting execution, Longinus predicted that the ruler would regain his sight after his death. After Longinus was martyred, the ruler indeed regained his sight and believed. According to another legend, after Longinus returned to Cappadocia, Pilate sent soldiers to kill him, following the orders of the high priests. Longinus welcomed them as guests, confessed his faith, and urged the soldiers to fulfill their duty. The soldiers offered him a chance to flee, but Longinus and his companions chose martyrdom. They were beheaded, and their heads were sent to Pilate, who ordered them to be discarded. Later, a blind woman found the holy heads, was healed, and returned them to Longinus’ homeland.

Iconography In Ukrainian iconography, separate icons of Longinus are rare, but he is depicted in scenes of the Crucifixion. Most often, he is shown standing next to John the Theologian with a spear in his hand or piercing the side of Jesus. Sometimes, Longinus stands at the side while another soldier pierces the body of Jesus. The saint is depicted with a beard, often gray-haired, wearing Roman armor appropriate to the period in which the icon was created. He holds a spear, sometimes also a shield and a sabre. With the rise of historicism in the 19th century, Longinus began to be portrayed as a Roman centurion.

Mykhailo Skop