Saint George

Martorell - Sant Jordi

Saint George in the Acta Sanctorum

Nuremberg chronicles f 124v 2

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S.George (Novgorod, mid. 14 c, GTG)

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St George and the Dragon Verona ms 1853 26r

Paolo Veronese 023

Saint George (Greek: Γεώργιος, Geṓrgios; Latin: Georgius; Coptic: Ⲡⲓⲅⲓⲟⲥ Ⲅⲉⲱⲣⲅⲓⲟⲥ, Piĝios Ğeōrgios; between AD 256–285 to 23 April 303) was a Christian martyr who is venerated as a saint in various Christian churches. According to tradition, he was a soldier in the Roman Empire and an officer in the Guard of Emperor Diocletian. Saint George is one of the most venerated saints in the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Oriental Orthodox Churches, the Roman Catholic Church, and the Anglican Communion. He is immortalized in the tale of Saint George and the Dragon and is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers. His memorial, Saint George's Day, is traditionally celebrated on 23 April.

Legend

The legend of Saint George and the Dragon tells of Saint George taming and slaying a dragon that demanded human sacrifices; thereby, he saves the princess chosen as the next offering. The story is a Christian allegory for George's martyrdom, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.

Veneration

Saint George is regarded as one of the most prominent military saints and is often depicted in art wearing Roman military dress and bearing a lance or sword. His veneration by Christians dates back to the 4th century, with the first known church dedicated to him in Lydda (modern-day Lod, Israel), where he is believed to have been buried.

Feast Days

In the Gregorian calendar, Saint George's Day is celebrated on 23 April, which is the date of his death in the Julian calendar. However, churches that follow the Julian calendar celebrate Saint George's Day on 6 May of the Gregorian calendar. In addition to being the patron saint of England, Saint George is the patron saint of various countries and cities around the world including Georgia, Moscow, and Barcelona.

Patronage

Saint George is the patron saint of a wide array of people, professions, and places. His patronage includes soldiers, archers, cavalry, chivalry, farmers, field workers, riders, and saddlers, and he is also a protector against leprosy, plague, and syphilis.

Iconography

In Christian iconography, Saint George is often depicted slaying a dragon. This imagery has been widely adopted in Christian art, and the scene of Saint George and the Dragon is a recurrent theme.

Legacy

The legacy of Saint George extends beyond his role as a Christian martyr. His story has been adapted and integrated into various cultures and religions, sometimes blending with pre-Christian traditions. The figure of Saint George has become a symbol of courage, protection, and the triumph of good over evil.