04/23/2026
April 23 is the Feast of St. George the Great-Martyr, one of the most beloved saints in all of Christian history!
St. George was born to a Christian noble family in Lydda, Syria Palestina, during the late third century between about 275 AD and 285 AD. He suffered as a "great-martyr" for Christ -- meaning his sufferings were repeated and extended -- in Nicomedia in Asia Minor.
His father, Gerontios, was from Cappadocia, an officer in the Roman army; his mother, Polychronia, was a native of Lydda in Syria. They were both Christians from noble families, so their child was raised with Christian beliefs. They decided to call him Georgios, meaning "worker of the land" (i.e., farmer). At the age of 14, George lost his father; a few years later, George's mother, Polychronia, died.
George then decided to go to Nicomedia and present himself to Emperor Diocletian to apply for a career as a soldier. Diocletian welcomed him with open arms, as he had known his father, Gerontius — one of his finest soldiers. By his late 20s, George was promoted to the rank of Tribunus and stationed as an imperial guard of the Emperor at Nicomedia.
On 24 February AD 303, Diocletian (influenced by his junior co-ruler Galerius) issued an edict that every Christian soldier in the army should be arrested and that every soldier should offer a sacrifice to the Roman gods. However, George objected, and with the courage of his faith in Christ, approached the Emperor and ruler. Diocletian was upset, not wanting to lose his best tribune and the son of his best official, Gerontius. But George loudly renounced the Emperor's edict, and in front of his fellow soldiers and tribunes he claimed himself to be a Christian and declared his worship of Jesus Christ. Diocletian attempted to convert George, even offering gifts of land, money, and slaves if he made a sacrifice to the Roman gods; he made many offers, but George categorically refused.
Recognizing the futility of his efforts and insisting on upholding his edict, Diocletian ordered that George be executed for his refusal. Before the ex*****on, George gave his wealth to the poor and prepared himself for what was to come. After various extended tortures, including laceration on a wheel of swords during which he was revived three times, George was executed by decapitation before Nicomedia's city wall, on 23 April 303. Witnessing these exctruciating sufferings and bold faith, the Empress Alexandra and Athanasius -- a pagan priest -- become Christians. They ultimately joined George in martyrdom.
After the legalization of the Christian Faith, St. George's body was returned to Lydda for burial, where Christians lovingly honored him as a martyr and powerful intercessor before God.
In some accounts of St. George, the story of "St. George and the dragon" plays a prominent role. It is said that a dragon made its nest at the spring that provided water for a certain city in Syria. Consequently, the citizens had to dislodge or distract the dragon from its nest to collect water. To do so, each day they were compelled to offer the dragon (at first) a sheep; but (eventually) the dragon required a maiden. In this pagan city, the victim was chosen by drawing lots. One day, this happened to be a local nobleman's daughter. The nobleman begged for her life to be spared, but to no avail. She was offered to the dragon, but then the heroic Saint George appeared -- while on his way travelling -- and intervened. He faced the dragon, protected himself with the sign of the Cross, slew the dragon, and rescued the princess. It was said that -- in this face of this miracle and power -- the entire citizenry of that area abandoned their worship of the idols and embraced Christ.
St. George's patronage is widespread. Among the places that recognize him as their heavenly patron would be England, Georgia, Aragon, Catalonia, Ethiopia, Palestine, Moscow (and many other cities.) He is also patron for agricultural workers, farmers, field workers; soldiers; archers; armourers; equestrians, cavalry, saddle makers; peacekeeping missions; skin diseases, lepers and leprosy, syphilis; sheep, shepherds, and boy scouts.
Holy Father George, pray to God for us!
