Julian of Antioch

Saint Julian of Antioch, also remembered as Julian of Tarsus or of Cilicia, was born in the region of Cilicia and lived in the early fourth century, a man of noble, senatorial rank. In the violent persecutions under Emperor Diocletian, Julian chose fidelity to Christ over privilege and safety. Ancient tradition recounts that he endured grievous torments and was made a public spectacle, paraded day after day through the cities of Cilicia for an entire year, yet remained steadfast in his confession of the Lord. His martyrdom is remembered with particular horror and reverence: he was sewn into a sack with scorpions, sand, and vipers and cast into the sea. The waters bore his body to Alexandria, where he was first buried, and later his relics were honored at Antioch. There, Saint John Chrysostom preached in his praise, and a great basilica bore Julian’s name, witnessing to the Church’s love for his courageous witness. Saint Julian is venerated as patron of Cacia. His feast day in the Catholic Church is March 16.