Great martyr · 3rd–4th century
George
Greatmartyr, Victory-bearer, and Wonderworker George
New Calendar April 23 Old Calendar May 6
Why they are a saint
The calendar keeps George among those who died for Christ. George, also George of Lydda was an early Christian martyr. A hieromartyr is honored for dying for Christ while serving as a pastor or, in some commemorations, as a named witness of that rank. Orthodox Christians remember his blood-witness together with the other hieromartyrs.
Life
Saint George was a native of Cappadocia and grew up in a deeply believing Christian family; his father was martyred for Christ while George was still a child. His mother raised him in Palestine. He entered the Roman army, distinguished himself by his courage, and was made a commander in the imperial guard of the emperor Diocletian.
When Diocletian intensified the persecution of Christians, George gave his wealth to the poor, freed his servants, and appeared before the Senate to confess Christ openly. He was imprisoned and cruelly tortured, among other things on a wheel set with iron spikes; his life tells that an angel appeared and he rose healed. Many came to faith through his endurance, among them the empress Alexandra.
On April 23, 303, he bowed his neck beneath the sword and received the crown of martyrdom. Among the miracles shown in his icons is the deliverance of a city near Beirut from a great dragon-like serpent.
Sources: OCA Lives of the Saints. Retold in our own words.
Traditional patronage
His icon, the horseman slaying the serpent, became the emblem on Moscow's coat of arms. Georgia is called the Land of Saint George.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Patron of soldiers, physical danger, cattle and herds (when the Trophy-Bearer), because he was a soldier.
Prayer
O holy George, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.
Do not confuse with George the Chozebite; George of Sofia; George of Athos; many New Martyr Georges.