It is not clear exactly when Saint George was born, and historians still argue about it today. However, it is believed that he died on April 23, 303 A.D.
The first records of George’s life were found in a book called the Bibliotheca Hagiographica Graeca, written by Daniel Papebroch, Jean Bolland, and Godfrey Henschen. George’s name appeared among other early Christian figures. Pope Gelasius said that George was one of the saints “whose names are honored, but whose actions are known only to God.”
George was the son of Gerontios, a Roman soldier, and Polychronia, a Greek woman from Lydda (in modern-day Israel). Both of his parents came from important Christian families, and they raised George in their faith.
When George grew up, he joined the army of Emperor Diocletian. By the time he was in his late 20s, George had become a Tribune, a high-ranking soldier, and served as an imperial guard for the emperor in the city of Nicomedia.
On February 24, 303 A.D., Diocletian, who disliked Christians, ordered that all Christians in the army be arrested. He also said that every soldier had to worship the Roman gods.
George refused. He bravely told Diocletian that he was a Christian. Diocletian was very upset but remembered his friendship with George’s father and tried to save him. He offered George land, money, and even slaves if he would give up his faith. But George refused all offers.
Finally, Diocletian ordered George to be executed. Before his death, George gave all his money to the poor. He was tortured in terrible ways—he was even tied to a wheel of swords and had to be revived three times—but he never gave up his faith.
On April 23, 303 A.D., George was beheaded outside the walls of Nicomedia. His body was sent to Lydda, where Christians came to honor him as a martyr.
There are also famous stories about Saint George fighting a dragon. In one version, a dragon or large crocodile lived at a spring near Silene (in modern-day Libya). The dragon would only leave if the people gave it a sheep every day. When they ran out of sheep, they started sacrificing young girls, chosen by drawing lots.
One day, the king’s daughter was chosen. As she was about to be offered to the dragon, George appeared. He made the sign of the Cross, fought the dragon, and killed it. Afterward, the people abandoned their old religions and became Christians.
Saint George is famous among both Christians and Muslims. Some say he killed a dragon near the sea in Beirut, and the area is now called Saint George’s Bay.
Saint George’s feast day is celebrated on April 23, but if it falls before Easter, it is moved to Easter Monday.
The Russian Orthodox Church celebrates him on three days: April 23, November 3 (to remember a cathedral built in his honor), and November 26 (for a church in Kiev).
In Bulgaria, people celebrate on May 6 by roasting a lamb.
In Egypt, the Coptic Orthodox Church calls him the “Prince of Martyrs” and celebrates on May 1 and again on November 17.
Saint George is the patron saint of England and Catalonia, and his red cross can be seen all over England.
In art, Saint George is often shown wearing armor and fighting a dragon. The dragon represents evil or enemies of Christianity.
Source: Catholic Online
