Saint Antiochus of Caesarea Philippi

Biography

Saint Antiochus of Caesarea Philippi, also known as simply Saint Antiochus, was a Roman soldier and Tribune in the imperial Roman army. He is recognized as a martyr who was killed alongside several other soldiers for his Christian faith. Little is known about the early life of Saint Antiochus. He was born and lived in Caesarea Philippi, a city located in modern-day Israel. It is believed that he dedicated his life to serving in the Roman army, eventually rising to the position of Tribune. During the time of Saint Antiochus, the Roman Empire was ruled by various Emperors who were often hostile towards Christians. Despite the dangers associated with openly practicing Christianity, Saint Antiochus remained steadfast in his faith and openly professed his belief in Jesus Christ. In the course of his duties as a soldier, Saint Antiochus came into contact with other Christians, both within and outside the Roman army. Together, they frequently gathered to worship and support each other in their faith, even though doing so was against the law. Word of Saint Antiochus and his fellow Christian soldiers eventually reached the authorities. In an act of oppressive religious persecution, the Roman Empire demanded that they renounce their faith and pay homage to the pagan deities worshipped by the Empire. However, Saint Antiochus and his brave companions refused to renounce their belief in Jesus Christ. They were subjected to torture and various cruel methods of execution, including but not limited to crucifixion, beheading, and burning. This act of martyrdom was a testament to their unwavering devotion to God. The exact details of Saint Antiochus' martyrdom are not widely documented. It is believed that he and his fellow soldiers died in Caesarea Philippi, where they had served in the Roman army. The exact year of their martyrdom is also unknown. Saint Antiochus, along with his companions, was canonized as a saint in the Catholic Church. Although he does not have any specific patronage associated with him, he is venerated for his steadfast faith and commitment to Christianity. His feast day is celebrated on the 21st of May. As a soldier who remained true to his faith, Saint Antiochus serves as a powerful example of courage and resilience in the face of adversity. His life and martyrdom continue to inspire Christians worldwide to stand firm in their belief, regardless of the challenges they may face.