Saint George
Stored in Cargo: Saint George
| Saint George | |
| Feast Day | April 23 |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | Soldiers, England, Georgia, farmers, scouts, against plague |
| Birthplace | Cappadocia, Roman Empire (now central Turkey) |
| Death Place | Nicomedia, Bithynia, Roman Empire (now İzmit, Turkey) |
| Cause of Death | Martyrdom (beheading) |
| Primary Shrine | Church of Saint George, Lod, Israel |
Saint George, born around 275–280 AD in Cappadocia, was a Roman soldier and martyr whose courage and legendary dragon-slaying made him one of Christianity’s most celebrated saints. A tribune in Diocletian’s army, he converted to Christianity, defying the emperor’s 303 AD edict against the faith. Arrested in Nicomedia, he endured torture—wheels, fire, and spears—before his beheading on April 23, 303, inspiring mass conversions, including Empress Alexandra’s. The medieval tale of slaying a dragon to save a princess in Lydda (Lod) amplified his fame, symbolizing triumph over evil, though it’s apocryphal, rooted in hagiography like the *Golden Legend*.
Canonized pre-Congregation, George’s feast day, April 23, honors his martyrdom, with his tomb in Lod’s Church of Saint George a pilgrimage hub—his skull reputedly there, relics spread worldwide. Patron of soldiers, England (since the Crusades), Georgia, and more, his red cross adorns flags and shields, his cult thriving across Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican traditions. His historical core—a soldier’s defiance—blends with myth, making him a timeless icon of valor and faith.
Biography
Birth
Saint George was born circa 275–280 AD in Cappadocia, Roman Empire, to a Christian Cappadocian father (possibly Gerontius) and a Palestinian mother. Exact dates are lost; his birth in a Roman province hints at a military family. Cappadocia’s rugged hills shaped his origin.
His early life bridged East and West, setting a stage for a soldier’s faith amid empire-wide strife.
Early Life
George’s youth is thinly documented; raised Christian, he likely joined the Roman army young, rising to tribune by his 20s. Stationed in Nicomedia, Diocletian’s capital, he served with distinction until the 303 edict forced a choice—faith or loyalty. His defiance marked his path to martyrdom.
His early life as a soldier turned to witness, a prelude to his storied end. George’s roots fueled his bold stand.
Occupation
George’s occupation was as a Roman tribune, a high-ranking soldier in Diocletian’s guard. Around 303, he publicly tore down the emperor’s anti-Christian edict, resigning his post. Arrested, tortured—lacerated, burned, and speared—he was beheaded, his steadfastness converting onlookers.
His brief “occupation” shifted from soldier to martyr, ending in Nicomedia. George’s career was a fatal testament to faith.
Vocation
George’s vocation emerged in Nicomedia, a call to uphold Christianity against imperial might. Facing torture in 303, he refused to recant, enduring days of agony—legend says he rose from a wheel of blades. His death fulfilled a martyr’s destiny, birthing a cult.
His vocation climaxed on April 23, 303, beheaded for Christ. George’s life was a soldier’s sacrifice, immortalized in lore.
Death
Saint George met his end on April 23, 303 AD, in Nicomedia, beheaded after torture under Diocletian. Enduring a week of torments—flogging, a spiked wheel, a lime pit—he died unbowed, buried in Lydda per tradition. His executioner and thousands reportedly converted.
His death ignited devotion, his tomb in Lod a sacred site. George’s martyrdom closed a life of defiance, his legend soaring.
Significant events
- Defied Diocletian’s edict, 303 AD.
- Martyred by beheading, April 23, 303 AD.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Cappadocia, Roman Empire (now central Turkey)
Death location: Nicomedia, Bithynia, Roman Empire (now İzmit, Turkey)
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Parishes
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
Canonization
Servant of God
No “Servant of God” process in 303; George’s veneration began post-martyrdom in Lydda and Nicomedia, spurred by his death and conversions.
Venerable
No Venerable status then; his sanctity was immediate, not staged.
Beatification
No distinct beatification in the 4th century; his sainthood grew organically.
Canonization
Canonized pre-Congregation, likely by the 4th–5th century, affirmed by early Church tradition, rooted in martyrdom and lore.
Miracles
Miracle for beatification
No beatification miracle; veneration rested on martyrdom.
Miracle for canonization
No miracles required then; his sainthood stemmed from his death, not wonders.
Other notable miracles
- Slaying the dragon (legendary, per *Golden Legend*). - Posthumous healings at Lydda, per tradition.
Patronage
Saint George is patron of soldiers, England, Georgia, farmers, scouts, and against plague.
Feast day
The feast day of Saint George is celebrated on April 23.
Veneration
Saint George is venerated through prayers for courage, centered at the Church of Saint George in Lod, with relics in Canterbury and beyond. With lance and dragon, his cult spans East and West, his April 23 feast marked by festivals—England’s St. George’s Day a prime echo.
Books
Written about the saint
- "The Golden Legend" by Jacobus de Voragine (13th-century hagiography)
Written by the saint
- No writings survive.