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Biography

Julian of Sora

Portrait of Julian of Sora

About Julian of Sora

Julian of Sora is remembered as a Christian martyr from Dalmatia. The Catholic Church in Norway places his death at Sora under Antoninus Pius, around 150, and lists his commemoration on January 27.

The Italian bishops’ conference’s account preserves conflicting traditions. One places his trial and execution at Atina, another at Sora. It contrasts Baronius’s dating to 175, under Marcus Aurelius, with the Roman Martyrology’s placement under Antoninus Pius. The traditions agree on January 27, but do not establish a single chronology or location.

The same account cites Bishop Giovannelli’s report to the Congregation of Rites, dated April 15, 1614, concerning relics found in an old church dedicated to Julian near Sora. The relics were subsequently moved to Santo Spirito and then to the cathedral. This is evidence for the later history of his cult, many centuries after the martyrdom traditionally described.

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