St. George (d. 303) was known as the dragon slaying martyr. There is much debate around the date of birth of St. George, but most agree that he died on April 23, 303. George was born to a Roman officer and a greek native. Both his parents came from wealthy families and they both practiced Christianity. George joined the Roman army and excelled in the army and in his late twenties, was given a prominent promotion. George served as an imperial guard of Nicodemia until he heard that the emperor Diocletian had given orders to the guards to kill any Christians they saw. George boldly professed his faith and did not take the orders to kill Christians. This made the Emperor force George to worship the Roman Gods and the Emperor also offered money, slaves and land in return. But George stood firm in his faith. Diocletian ordered George's execution. Before his execution George gave away all his wealth to the poor. George underwent several torture sessions. He was lacerated on a wheel of swords and required resuscitation three times, but still George did not turn from God. On April 23, 303 A.D., George was decapitated before Nicomedia's outer wall. His body was sent to Lydda for burial, and other Christians went to honor George as a martyr.
St. George and the dragon: There are several stories about George fighting dragons, but in the Western version, a dragon or crocodile made its nest at a spring that provided water to Silene, believed to be modern-day Lcyrene in Libya. The people were unable to collect water and so attempted to remove the dragon from its nest on several ocassions. It would temporarily leave its nest when they offered it a sheep each day, until the sheep disappeared and the people were distraught. This was when they decided that a maiden would be just as effective as sending a sheep. The townspeople chose the victim by drawing straws. This continued until one day the princess' straw was drawn. The monarch begged for her to be spared but the people would not have it. She was offered to the dragon, but before she could be devoured, George appeared. He faced the dragon, protected himself with the sign of the Cross, and slayed the dragon. After saving the town, the citizens abandoned their paganism and were all converted to Christianity.
St. George protect us from all evil.
Patron of: England & Catalonia
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