St.George

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The Story of St.George

Dragon slayer, man of courage and defender of justice against the odds, Saint George is one of Christianity's most celebrated heroes. Revered by millions throughout many countries it seems ironic that we should know so little of the life of this major historical figure. There is some speculation as to whether George was a soldier in the Roman army who died a martyr's death in Asia Minor (Nicomedia) in AD 303, but there is no proof of this theory, there isn't even any evidence to prove his actual existence although it does seem highly unlikely that such a powerfully strong legend could be based upon a purely fictional character.

Be they fact or fiction, the narratives surrounding St. George have inspired generations. The most famous tale is definitely that of St. George and the dragon, a story which has resulted in the renown which his legacy enjoys throughout the world today. This tale is invoked as an example of the eternal struggle between the powers of good and evil and in courage and defiance in the face of great odds. It also bears similarities to the Anglo-Saxon saga Beowulf and the Germanic tale of heroic Siegfried and his slaying of the dragon Fafnir, and it ensures that St. George firmly occupies a place alongside these great heroes of European legend.

St. George has been the patron saint of England since the Middle Ages, when he is said to have appeared to the crusading armies on a number of occasions during their campaigns to secure the holy land. It was probably during the reign of Richard I that the cross of St George was instituted as the banner of the English army, a banner that later became, and remains, the flag of England. Also in remembrance of the valiant feats achieved by this hero, the 23rd of April has been celebrated as St George's day since the late Middle Ages. The date marks that of the death of the martyr who met his end by the Roman Emperor Diocletian on the very same date in 303. Whether this particular soldier was indeed St George remains uncertain. What is certain is that the 23rd of April is a day to remember our hero and the example that he set us. May the bravery of St. George continue to inspire our people to great acts for a thousand more generations!