St. George
Feast 04-23
Patron of
About
George was a Christian soldier of Greek origin who served in the Roman army in the late third century. According to tradition he was born in Cappadocia and rose to the rank of tribune before the emperor Diocletian began his persecution of Christians.
When the persecution edicts were published, George is said to have torn them down and confessed his faith before the emperor. He was tortured and beheaded at Lydda in Palestine around 303. His courage made him one of the most venerated martyrs of the early Church.
The famous legend of George slaying a dragon to rescue a princess arose in the Middle Ages and made him the ideal of Christian chivalry. He is the patron saint of England, Georgia, and many other lands, and is invoked by soldiers, knights, and scouts.
Suggested prayer
O God, who gave St. George courage to tear down the emperor's edicts against the Church and to die at Lydda, grant through his intercession that soldiers and all who defend the innocent may fight with courage and honor. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
