julian

Saint Julian

(FLAVIUS CLAUDIUS JULIANUS)
Julian The Apostate

Saint Julian was born at Constantinople in 331 ce and died 26th of June in 363 ce. It was the intention of
his guardians that he be brought up in the Christian faith and as such, gained a Christian education. His
guardians had him travel around a fair bit, and he was incarcerated on occasion (such was the political
nature of the world he lived in). On one such occasion, an Empress secured his release so he could study
in Athens (355 ce). Here he gained initiation into the Eleusinian mysteries. Over the years he developed a
love for Hellenic Paganism.

In late 355 he was awarded the title of Caesar and joined the army. A mixture of a series of policy
mistakes made by Emperor Constantius and good leadership skills by Julian caused a large segment of the
army to denounce E.Constantius, and proclaim Julian as Emperor. E.Const. was not amused. E.Const.
amassed his army against Julian's forces, but died on the way to battle. (3rd Nov. 361ce).

Julian took the throne. This is when he 'came out' as a Pagan. He reopened the pagan temples and
assumed the duties of Pontifex Maximus.

He also continued to fight wars. On 26th June, 363, while fighting the Persians, we was wounded by an
arrow in his side and died that night.

Julian: Emperor, Apostate, Avatar, Saint. The last Pagan emperor, all the more interesting for the fact that
there was a gap between himself and the previous Pagan Emperors that was filled by a Christian. He
expended a lot of effort in his short reign trying to get back the money taken from the Pagans and given to
the church by his predecessor. He reopened the temples and synagogues. There are many Pagan Saints,
but Julian stands out as a person who not only stood his ground, but also took some of the ground back.

May he be an inspiration to us all. He lives in the Elysium Fields forever more. Pray to him for
inspiration, guidance, and assistance in your work, as you work to bring Paganism back into the light.
Burn incense to him at your shrine, for he is a worthy ancestor.

We remember him, as we do all our honoured dead, specifically on the day he ascended to glory -26th
June, and generally on the day of the dead - Samhain.