Saint Eusignius

Saint Eusignius, also spelled Eusignios (c. 252 – c. 362), was a Roman soldier venerated as a martyr and saint. Born at Antioch, he served in the imperial armies for about sixty years under several emperors, including Maximian, Constantius Chlorus, Constantine the Great, and his sons. Early in Constantine's reign, Eusignius witnessed the appearance of the Cross in the sky, which was interpreted as a sign of coming victory. He was a companion of martyr Basiliscus, witnessing his martyrdom and beholding angels and Christ receiving Basiliscus into heaven. In his old age, he retired from military service and returned to Antioch, where he devoted himself to prayer, fasting, and the worship of the Church until the reign of Julian the Apostate (361–363).

After a fellow townsman denounced him as a Christian, Eusignius was summoned before Julian. He openly professed his faith, rebuked the emperor for his apostasy, and reminded him that he was the nephew of Constantine the Great. For this, he was beheaded in 362 at an advanced age—by traditional reckoning, about 110 years old. Saint Eusignius is commemorated on August 5th and is one of the 140 Colonnade saints which adorn St. Peter's Square.