Early Church Saints: St George

Today is St George’s Day. The time of year the English celebrate this saint.

St George was born around 280 AD, in Cappadocia (modern-day Turkey). His parents were of Greek/Syrian descent. Not much is known of his early life, with the pope who canonised him stated,

“whose names are justly revered among men, but whose actions are known only to God.” - Pope Gelasius I, 494 AD

The veneration of St George spread rapidly across the region, with churches dedicated to him by the 4th century. It was particularly so in Lydda, where his tomb became a site of pilgrimage.

The most famous tale associated with his life was the slaying of a dragon. It had been demanding human sacrifices from the city of in Libya. Eventually, the only young maiden left was the king’s daughter. George then headed out to encounter the dragon, slay it and save the princess. In the western version, he either kills it with a lance or sword. But in the eastern retelling, he prays using the sign of the Cross. This creates an interesting distinction between the stories. Are dragons killed through physical force or prayer?

The story of his martyrdom is not as well known as his defeat of the dragon. George was a high-ranking officer in the Roman army, who possibly served in the Praetorian Guard under Emperor Diocletian. As the great persecution began (AD303 - AD313), the emperor demanded George renounce his faith in Christ. He refused, endured severe torture and was executed by beheading on April 23, 303 AD, in Lydda.

During the Crusades, St. George became a popular saint amongst the English, probably because his association as a military saint. King Edward III established St George as the patron saint of England in the 14th Century, replacing St Edward the Confessor. The St George’s Cross then became the flag of England.

St George is also the patron saint of several other countries too:

- Georgia

- Ethiopia

- Greece (co-patron with other saints)

- Portugal

- Malta (co-patron with St. Paul)

- Lithuania (co-patron)

- Montenegro

- Serbia (co-patron)

He is also the patron of certain regions like Catalonia and cities such as Moscow and Beirut.

In England, his image has appeared in paintings and statues, and even coins. This classic image of St George slaying the dragon by Benedetto Pistrucci, was first introduced onto the 1817 sovereign coin.

The relationship between England and St George, its patron saint, is deeply intertwined with English culture and identity.

From a personal perspective, St George is a great inspiration. I have several pictures of him up in my house. He reminds me, that even though the odds might be against me, there is always hope in Christ. Even though dragons maybe running through my life, creating havoc, I know I have a dragon slayer watching over me.

God bless St George.