By Bishop Grigorios of Mesaoria
The Church celebrates today the memory of Martyr Sebastian, Saint Michael the Confessor, and Martyr Zoe.
Saint Sebastian was born in Mediolanum (now Milan), Italy. Saint Sebastian was raised by pious parents and was initiated to the teaching of the Orthodox Church Being from a noble family, he attracted the favor of Emperor Carinus, who promoted him to a military officer, taking advantage of his intelligence. Diocletian then appointed him captain of the Praetorian Guards.
When the persecution began, a group of Christians was arrested. To their astonishment, Saint Sebastian publicly and boldly confessed his faith in Jesus Christ to encourage the Christians who had been arrested.
blinded by arrogance and hatred, Diocletian ordered him beaten to death. Saint Sebastian, a good soldier of Christ, courageously accepted the wreath of martyrdom. His body was taken by Lucina, a pious widow, who discovered that she was still alive. After taking care of him, a few days later Saint Sebastian recovered and continued his Christian work with more zeal.
He sought to meet Diocletian, whom he harangued him for his cruelty and hatred for Christians. Then the emperor ordered him beaten to death. The martyr Sebastian was an example of militancy in the faith of “unto death,” thus receiving the wreath of martyrdom and the glory of the Church.
Source: Church of Cyprus