WHO IS SAINT GEORGE?
“As deliverer of captives and defender of the poor, healer of the infirm, champion of kings, victorious Great Martyr George, intercede with Christ our God for our souls’ salvation.”
-Troparian of Saint George
The Life of Saint George
The Holy Great-Martyr George is the patron saint of our parish. A patron saint is the heavenly intercessor for a local parish, place, trade, activity, person, or country, offering his or her holy prayers and intercessions on behalf of all who ask.
St. George was born in Cappadocia (central Asia Minor, today Turkey), the son of wealthy and virtuous parents. His father suffered for his faith in Christ and his mother then moved with her son to Palestine where she had farmland. When George grew up, he entered the Roman military, where in his twentieth year, he attained the rank of a Tribune and was in the service of Emperor Diocletian. The most famous of George’s miracles are depicted in iconography. Near Mount Lebanon was a large lake, inhabited by an enormous dragon-like serpent. Coming out of the lake, it devoured people, and the breath from its nostrils poisoned the air. George rode up on his horse with spear in hand and signed himself with the Sign of the Cross. He rushed at the serpent saying, “In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” George pierced the throat of the serpent with his spear and trampled it with his horse. Twenty-five thousand men, not counting women and children, were then baptized. The Empress Alexandra believed in Christ through George. Diocletian wanted paganism to be the state religion to unify his empire. Since George and Alexandra refused to offer sacrifices to idols and renounce the one true Faith, Diocletian had them both beheaded in 303. Though he was a talented officer who amazed the world by his military exploits, George is known as the Victory-bearer, or Trophy-bearer, not only for his military achievements, but for successfully enduring martyrdom.
As the deliverer of captives and the protector of the poor, as the physician of the feeble and combatant of kings, holy champion and great martyr George, intercede with Christ our God to save our souls.
+ Apolytikion of St. George, Tone 4
Thou hast been tilled by God, becoming an honored and pious husbandman. The sheaves of virtue thou hast gathered unto thyself, O George; for having sowed with tears thou didst reap with joy; and didst struggle unto blood, attaining Christ. Wherefore, by thine intercessions, O Saint, thou dost grant to all remission of sins.
+ Kontakion of St. George, Tone 4