Cornelius the Centurion

About Cornelius the Centurion

Cornelius appears in Acts as a centurion in Caesarea who prays and gives alms. Following a vision, he sends for Peter and gathers relatives and friends. Peter refuses Cornelius's homage, insisting on their shared humanity. While Peter speaks, the Holy Spirit comes upon his hearers, and Peter orders their baptism.

Later Orthodox tradition extends his story beyond the encounter with Peter. The account published by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America says that he became a bishop, but preserves two locations: Caesarea and Scepsis. It also reports a martyr's death, without resolving which city was his episcopal see.

The Orthodox Church in America's longer life develops the Scepsis tradition into a conversion story. In this legend, Cornelius confronts the ruler Demetrius, and prayer brings down a temple of Zeus. The ruler's wife and son survive beneath the ruins and are rescued. Demetrius then accepts Christianity. This account ends with Cornelius dying in old age and being buried near the former temple.

The churches also remember him through liturgy. The Orthodox troparion associates Cornelius with the apostles' work and asks his intercession. The hymn keeps his association with their preaching central to his liturgical remembrance.

The Italian bishops' presentation of the Roman Martyrology commemorates Cornelius on October 20.

Prayers for Cornelius the Centurion