Saint Sebastian (AD 256 – 288) was an early Christian saint and martyr. According to traditional belief, he was killed during the Diocletianic Persecution of Christians. He was initially tied to a post or tree and shot with arrows, though this did not kill him. He was, according to tradition, rescued and healed by Saint Irene of Rome, which became a popular subject in 17th-century painting. In all versions of the story, shortly after his recovery, he went to Diocletian to warn him about his sins, and as a result, was clubbed to death. He is venerated in the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church.
As a child, his mother gave him a good Christian education and he grew up in a deep faith in Christianity. In 283 he joined the Roman army. He was a devout Christian who joined the army with the intention of helping Christians who were threatened for their religious persecution. Satisfied with his intelligence and prudent demeanor, the emperor loved him dearly and displayed joy in his association with him.
Soon after, Sebastian was elevated to the position of ‘Protestant general’, reserved for high officials and nobles. He was thus able to visit Christian prisoners, meet their needs, and comfort them in distress. On this occasion, he has been able to convert many. However, Sebastian’s courageous service did not last long.
Emperor Diocletian knew that he was a Christian. Immediately he brought the saint before him. The emperor accused the saint of treason and transgression and advised him to abandon Christianity and worship the other gods. However, the emperor’s advice, threats or coercion were not enough to dissuade him from his faith.
The emperor was furious at Sebastian’s determination and ordered him to shoot an arrow. Soon the archers tied him up and took him to a wide field. The clothes were taken off and tied to an oak tree, they shot at him until he felt lifeless.
That same night, a devout woman named Irene secretly arrived to bury the saint’s body. Realizing that the saint was not dead, she gladly took Sebastian to their home and gave him the care he needed. Within a few days, he recovered. But instead of going somewhere far away to save his life, he tried to respond publicly to the emperor’s atrocities.
Seeing that the saint was not yet dead, the emperor ordered that he be beaten to death. Immediately the soldiers beat the saint with iron rods. His soul flew to heaven.