Saint George, Martyr

George was a martyr of Lydda (Diospolis) in Palestine, where his tomb was venerated from at least the 6th century. He probably died in the persecution of Diocletian about 303. Very little is known for certain. According to his Acts, which exist in many versions, he was a soldier of high rank from Cappadocia who declared himself a Christian and endured many tortures before being beheaded.

The story of his slaying a dragon to save a princess appears only in the 11th and 12th centuries and became famous through the Golden Legend. He was much venerated by soldiers and crusaders, and became the patron of England, Georgia, Catalonia and many other lands. He is equally honored in the Eastern Churches.