Who was St. George?
- Valiant Soldier: St. George, a Roman soldier of Greek origin, became renowned for his unwavering Christian faith and bravery.
- Martyrdom: Refusing to recant his beliefs during Emperor Diocletian's persecutions, he endured tortures and was eventually executed.
- Dragon Legend: Famed for the legendary dragon-slaying tale, symbolizing his triumph over evil, he's venerated widely as a patron saint of numerous countries and causes.
Catholic: Apr 23
Orthodox: May 6
Patron: Georgia, England, Portugal, Brazil, Lebanese Christians, Palestinian Christians, Syrian Christians
Biography
Early Life and Background
St. George, known in Greek as Γεώργιος (Georgios), was born around the year 280 in the region of Cappadocia, which is located in modern-day Turkey. The etymology of his name, "Georgios," is rooted in the Greek word for farmer or worker of the land, symbolizing a connection to the earth and its cultivation. This connection is particularly poignant given the later legends and stories that would associate St. George with the slaying of a dragon, a creature often linked with the earth and its mysteries.
His parents, Gerontios and Polychronia, were devout Christians. They belonged to noble families, with Gerontios serving as a Roman officer and Polychronia being a Greek native of Lydda. Their nobility and devoutness played a significant role in shaping young George's character and beliefs. Growing up in a household that upheld Christian values in a time when Christianity was not the dominant religion would have presented its own set of challenges and opportunities. It's likely that the family faced societal pressures to conform to pagan practices, but their steadfastness in their faith would have provided George with a strong foundation upon which he built his own convictions.
