Feast Day: April 23
Title: Martyr of the Faith, Soldier of Christ, Patron of Soldiers and England
Historical and Spiritual Overview
Saint George is one of the most venerated saints in Christendom, known as a Christian martyr and military saint, whose steadfast courage and faith in the face of persecution have inspired devotion for centuries. Although much of his early life is veiled in legend, the essence of his witness is firmly rooted in the early Church’s memory of a brave soldier who laid down his life for Christ during the Diocletian persecutions (c. 303 A.D.).
Born in Cappadocia (modern-day Turkey) to noble Christian parents, George was raised in the Faith from his youth. His father was martyred for the Faith when George was still young. Later, George entered the Roman army and served with distinction, quickly rising to the rank of tribune under Emperor Diocletian.
When Diocletian unleashed his brutal persecution of Christians, George boldly declared his faith before the imperial court. Despite being offered wealth and high rank if he would sacrifice to the Roman gods, George refused. His confession enraged the emperor, and he was subjected to gruesome tortures—including being stretched on a rack, lacerated with hooks, scorched with torches, and made to drink poison. God preserved him through many of these torments, and according to tradition, several miracles and conversions occurred during his martyrdom, including the raising of a dead man and the conversion of the empress herself, who was later also martyred.
Finally, Saint George was beheaded for the Faith. His unwavering testimony made him one of the most beloved martyrs in East and West alike.
The Legend of the Dragon
The most famous story associated with Saint George is his slaying of the dragon. Though this legend developed in the centuries after his martyrdom, it serves as a symbolic representation of his spiritual valor. According to the tale, a city (often identified as Silene in Libya) was terrorized by a dragon. When the beast demanded a princess as tribute, George arrived, invoked the name of Christ, slew the dragon, and saved both the maiden and the city.
This tale became a powerful allegory for the triumph of Christian virtue over evil, with the dragon symbolizing Satan or paganism, and the maiden representing the Church or the soul rescued by Christ through His saints.
Devotion and Legacy
- Saint George’s cult spread rapidly throughout the East and West. A church was built over his tomb in Lydda (in Palestine), where miracles were reported.
- He became the patron saint of soldiers, knights, and crusaders.
- The Crusaders brought his devotion to the West, and he became one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers in medieval devotion.
- He is also the patron saint of England, and the red cross of Saint George became a national emblem.
Traditional Prayers to Saint George
Prayer for Courage:
O God, who didst grant to Saint George strength and constancy in the various torments which he sustained for our holy Faith; we beseech Thee to preserve, through his intercession, our faith from wavering and doubt, so that we may serve Thee with a sincere heart faithfully unto death. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.