St. Sebastian

St. Sebastian

St. Sebastian (died c. 288 AD) was an early Christian saint and martyr. According to Christian 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 rescued and healed by Irene of Rome, shortly after which he went to Diocletian to warn him of his sins, and as a result was clubbed to death.

He is venerated in the Catholic Church, the Orthodox Church, and the Anglican Communion. He is commonly depicted in art and literature tied to a post or tree, shot full of arrows. This image has made him a popular subject in Renaissance art.

St. Sebastian is widely known as the patron saint of soldiers, athletes, and those who desire a saintly death. Historically, he has also been invoked as a protector against plagues and pandemics, with many chapels and altars dedicated to him during times of widespread disease.