Following his decapitation in AD 303, George was hailed as a hero and a saint across the Christian faith, but it would be another 900 years before any dragons got involved.The religious crusades that plagued the 11th and 13th centuries brought about a resurgence of popularity for the saint. St George came to fame for spreading the Christian religion around the Western civilisation. As legend tells it, Saint George was a dragon-slaying Christian martyr; a true hunk by Medieval standards. July 25, 2010 By Ian Hutchinson. In no time, he became a popular figure across the world and is, till date, counted among the most significant warrior saints. The red-on-white cross is emblematic of the English and Georgian flags and even features on the badge of FC Barcelona.On 23 April, communities around the world celebrate the saint’s feast day. George’s Day is a feast day in the General Roman Calendar. George’s Cross – a red cross on a white background, also known as Colors of Saint George, was adapted by numerous countries in their national flags, namely, England, Republic of Genoa, Georgia, Catalonia, Aragon, and so on.He was beheaded at Nicomedia near Lydda on April 23, 303, following his refusal of refuting his faith in Christ and accepting paganism.He was honored as a martyr by the Christians and his remains were buried in a church in Lydda that’s named after him. It’s no surprise that in 1344 when Edward III created his own chivalrous knightly order, the Order of the Garter, St George was named as their patron saint. See the events in life of Saint George in Chronological Order
Honored, respected and admired across the world by both the Western and Eastern Christian churches, his patronages can be found throughout on flags and coats of arms of various nations and in the form of churches, monasteries, and holidays observed in his honorSaint George is believed to have been born in the late third century around 275 AD or 280 AD in Lydda, Syria Palestine, in a Greek Christian family, to Gerontios, an officer in the Roman army, and Polychronia.His father died when he was just 14 and then he lost his mother a few years later, after which he moved to Nicomedia to become a soldier under Roman Emperor Diocletian at the young age of 17.He earned honor and position under Diocletian, since his father was one of the finest soldiers in his army. His excellent service got him promoted as a Tribunus and posted as imperial guard at Nicomedia.Being a strict disciplinarian, Diocletian sought to unite his empire by popularizing the state religion, paganism, and suppressing the spread of Christianity, probably under the influence of his second chief commander, Galerius.With rumors of Galerius’ death being plotted by Christians spreading around, Diocletian issued an edict to demolish all Christian churches and arrest all Christian soldiers, which was duly objected by George.Despite Diocletian’s repeated attempts of converting him and offering him gifts, he stood firm on his decision and defended himself of being an ardent Jesus Christ follower and a loyal Christian.He was arrested upon Diocletian’s orders after he refused to give in to the latter’s constant efforts. Personal Life & Legacy. However, his conflicting views on popularizing the state religion, paganism, by suppressing and refuting Christianity led to differences with the emperor. Hailed as a religious martyr, dragon-slayer and the prototypical knight in shining armour, how much of his legend is true? St. George on Horseback, Meister des Döbelner Hochaltars, 1511/13, Hamburger Kunsthalle. Saint George is often abbreviated as St. George, St George, or S. George.
His legend still serves as the prototype for our notions of Medieval bravery, and his martyrdom is a source of strength for modern Christians.Saint George is celebrated across Europe as the patron saint of cities and countries.
How Did St. George’s Do?
Mass services are held at churches built in his honour, and Giorgi (George) remains one of the Whether he slayed a dragon or not, St George’s legacy has endured for over a millennia. He was lacerated on a wheel of swords and required resuscitation three times, but still George did not turn from God. At some point around the 11th century, this revival of St George also resulted in the legend he is most famously associated with.According to folklore, St George rescued a princess who was about to become dinner for a dragon that had settled near the city of Silene – allegedly in modern-day Libya. ( Public Domain ) It has been said that St. George’s military prowess made him popular amongst the knights of Medieval Europe, especially following the crusades. St George’s martyrdom and military service made him an appealing figure to invoke for protection and guidance.
St George's protection was invoked against several nasty diseases, many fatal and with infectious causes, including the Plague and leprosy. While it’s a story that has captured imaginations, St George’s legacy involves much more than mythical beasts.St George is believed to be born in Cappadocia, in modern-day Depending on how the story is told, Diocletian tried to tempt St George’s conversion with the promise of wealth and power before he was executed – alternate versions say the execution came after seven years of torture.
St George is believed to be born in Cappadocia, in modern-day Turkey, sometime during the late third century to Christian parents.
But in all versions, St George’s determination to keep his faith resulted in the Christian conversion of others. While not much is known of his early life, St George’s legendary status really begins after he became a soldier in the Roman Army under Emperor Diocletian. His bravery is said to have inspired people in Silene to convert to Christianity. In England, pubs are adorned with the English flag. Today, he is referred by various honorary names by different sects for his heroic and brave act – while the Eastern Orthodox Church calls him a ‘Great Martyr’, the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria in Egypt honors him as the ‘Prince of Martyrs’. Saint George and the Dragon. What did St George do? He was tortured and beheaded despite the emperor’s repeated attempts of luring him to convert into a pagan, which induced courage in other Christians and fellow soldiers to stand for their religion and follow him.