Born in Cappadocia, he was a devout Christian and served as a military tribune under Diocletian and Maximian. In the province of Lybia, near the city of Lysia, there was a vast marsh inhabited by a fearsome dragon that terrorized the citizens. To appease the dragon, the people had to sacrifice two sheep daily, and when that was not enough, they resorted to offering a
sheep and eventually a human, chosen by lots. When the king's daughter was chosen, he tried to offer silver and gold to spare her, but the people were determined to sacrifice her.
Despite the imminent danger, Saint George, passing by, encountered the princess in distress and learned of the situation. Moved by compassion, he offered to face the dragon in the name of Christ, much to the princess's dismay. Ignoring her pleas to flee, George bravely confronted the dragon, making the sign of the cross and defeating the beast, ultimately saving the princess and the people. Witnessing this miraculous event, many of the citizens converted to Christianity, and Saint George preached to them, leading to the baptism of ten thousand individuals.
In gratitude for his heroic act, the king offered Saint George riches, which he selflessly donated to the poor. The king then built a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, where a spring with healing properties emerged from the altar. Saint George's courageous deed and unwavering faith not only saved the princess and the people from the dragon's terror but also brought about a spiritual transformation in the community, leading many to embrace Christianity.
Patronage: against herpes; against leprosy; against the plague; against skin diseases; against skin rashes; against syphilis; lepers; agricultural workers; archers; armourers; arms manufacturers; boxers; butchers; castle chapels; cavalry in general; French and Italian cavalry; chivalry; equestrians; farmers; field hands; field workers; fighters; halberdiers; horsemen; horses; husbandmen; knights; pugilists; riders; saddle makers; saddlers; sheep; shepherds; soldiers; wrestlers
Symbols and Representation: Armor; buckler; dragon.
O God, who were pleased to give light to your Church by adorning blessed George with the victory of martyrdom, graciously grant that, as he imitated the Lord's Passion, so we may, by following in his footsteps, be worthy to attain eternal joys. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
