Saint Cornelius the Centurion

A life of faith

Cornelius was a centurion of the Italica cohort in Caesarea in Palestine. His encounter with the Apostle Peter is told in Acts 10. The received life remembers him turning toward Christ and praying to receive baptism. Peter’s visit became part of the Church’s recognition that people from the nations could enter Christian life. After his baptism, Cornelius accompanied Peter in preaching and later served as a bishop. The account continues his story at Scepsis, where the local ruler pressured him to sacrifice to idols. Cornelius turned to prayer. The traditional narrative remembers the ruler’s family receiving help and coming to Christian faith, and Cornelius establishing a church there. His remembrance connects the prayer of a person seeking baptism with a later life of Christian ministry.

The Eastern Orthodox Church remembers saints in prayer and commemoration. Their lives offer examples for Christians learning to live their faith.

A reflection

Cornelius made prayer part of his search for faith. Bring one sincere question into prayer, and take time to learn from a trustworthy teacher.

Read the Orthodox source

Feast dates follow the linked source. Local calendars and commemorations may vary. Themes describe a saint’s life; quiz suggestions do not assign a baptismal patron. Discuss choosing a patron saint with your priest.