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Saint Sebastian

What is saint sebastian?

· James MacDonald

Key facts

Name Saint Sebastian[1]
Type early Christian saint and martyr[1]
Death c. 288[1]
Place of death Rome[1]
Feast day January 20[1]
Patronage archers and athletes[1]

Saint Sebastian was an early Christian saint and martyr, a Roman soldier killed during the persecution of Christians under Emperor Diocletian. He is the patron saint of archers and athletes.

Context

Saint Sebastian was an early Christian saint and martyr, believed to have been a Roman soldier who was martyred during the persecution of Christians under Emperor Diocletian [1]. He is especially known as the patron saint of archers and athletes [1]. According to hagiography, he was shot with arrows and later beaten to death, but these details are not considered historical record [1]. He is also venerated as a protector from the bubonic plague and as a patron of plague victims [1]. His feast day is January 20 in many traditions [1].

Documented claims

  • He was martyred during the persecution of Christians under Emperor Diocletian. [1]
  • He is venerated as a protector from the bubonic plague and as a patron of plague victims. [1]
  • Details about being shot with arrows and beaten to death come from hagiography, not historical record. [1]

Questions and answers

What is Saint Sebastian known for?

He is known as an early Christian martyr and the patron saint of archers and athletes [1].

What does Saint Sebastian protect you from?

He is venerated as a protector from the bubonic plague and as a patron of plague victims [1].

Sources

  1. St. Sebastian — britannica.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in People