TheFamousPeople

Saint George Biography

(One of the Most Venerated Saints and Megalomartyrs in Christianity)

Born In: Cappadocia, Turkey

Advanced Search

Saint George was a soldier in the Roman army who protested against the persecution of Christianity and eventually became the patron saint of various entities and countries after his execution. He earned recognition and promotion in the court of the Roman emperor Diocletian due to his dedicated service. However, his conflicting views on popularizing the state religion, paganism, by suppressing and refuting Christianity led to differences with the emperor. He was tortured and beheaded despite the emperor’s repeated attempts of luring him to convert into a pagan, which induced courage in other Christians and fellow soldiers to stand for their religion and follow him. In no time, he became a popular figure across the world and is, till date, counted among the most significant warrior saints. Today, he is referred by various honorary names by different sects for his heroic and brave act – while the Eastern Orthodox Church calls him a ‘Great Martyr’, the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria in Egypt honors him as the ‘Prince of Martyrs’. Honored, respected and admired across the world by both the Western and Eastern Christian churches, his patronages can be found throughout on flags and coats of arms of various nations and in the form of churches, monasteries, and holidays observed in his honor

Born In: Cappadocia, Turkey

15
15

Recommended For You

Irenaeus Biography Irenaeus
Saint Nicholas Biography Saint Nicholas
Saint Barbara Biography Saint Barbara
Agatha of Sicily Biography Agatha of Sicily
DID WE MISS SOMEONE?
CLICK HERE AND TELL US
WE'LL MAKE SURE
THEY'RE HERE A.S.A.P
Quick Facts

Also Known As: George of Lydda

Family:

father: Gerondios

mother: Polychronia

Born Country: Turkey

Saints Greek Male

Died on: April 23, 303

place of death: Nicomedia

Cause of Death: Execution

Recommended For You

Irenaeus Biography Irenaeus
Saint Nicholas Biography Saint Nicholas
Saint Barbara Biography Saint Barbara
Agatha of Sicily Biography Agatha of Sicily

You wanted to know

  • 1

    What is Saint George known for?

    Saint George is known for being a Christian martyr who is revered as a patron saint in various countries and regions around the world.
  • 2

    What is the legend of Saint George and the dragon?

    The legend of Saint George and the dragon tells the story of Saint George slaying a dragon to rescue a princess and save a city from destruction.
  • 3

    Where is Saint George's Day celebrated?

    Saint George's Day is celebrated in various countries, with notable celebrations in England, Catalonia (Spain), and parts of Italy.
  • 4

    What symbols are associated with Saint George?

    Saint George is often depicted with a dragon, a sword, and a shield as symbols of his martyrdom and bravery.
  • 5

    What is the significance of Saint George in Christianity?

    Saint George is considered a prominent figure in Christianity, known for his unwavering faith and courage in the face of persecution.

Recommended Lists:

Greek People
Greek Saints
Childhood & Early Life
Saint George is believed to have been born in the late third century around 275 AD or 280 AD in Lydda, Syria Palestine, in a Greek Christian family, to Gerontios, an officer in the Roman army, and Polychronia.
His father died when he was just 14 and then he lost his mother a few years later, after which he moved to Nicomedia to become a soldier under Roman Emperor Diocletian at the young age of 17.
Continue Reading Below
Career
He earned honor and position under Diocletian, since his father was one of the finest soldiers in his army. His excellent service got him promoted as a Tribunus and posted as imperial guard at Nicomedia.
Being a strict disciplinarian, Diocletian sought to unite his empire by popularizing the state religion, paganism, and suppressing the spread of Christianity, probably under the influence of his second chief commander, Galerius.
With rumors of Galerius’ death being plotted by Christians spreading around, Diocletian issued an edict to demolish all Christian churches and arrest all Christian soldiers, which was duly objected by George.
Despite Diocletian’s repeated attempts of converting him and offering him gifts, he stood firm on his decision and defended himself of being an ardent Jesus Christ follower and a loyal Christian.
He was arrested upon Diocletian’s orders after he refused to give in to the latter’s constant efforts. He distributed his property among the poor and freed the slaves before his execution.
He was tortured in numerous ways, including slashing him on a wheel of swords where he was resuscitated three times, before he was finally executed.
His sacrifice and sufferings influenced Empress Alexandra and Athanasius to a great extent that they converted to Christianity and became martyrs along with George.
Popular legends of him killing a dragon while rescuing a beautiful young lady, Diocletian’s wife Alexandra, have been portrayed in texts and on the canvas since 11th century.
Achievements
His efforts of protecting Christianity from persecution got him imprisoned and executed brutally at the hands of the Roman emperor Diocletian, which eventually contributed in the spread of the religion centuries later.
Continue Reading Below
His admiration and recognition spread across the Eastern Roman Empire and Georgia in the 4th century, where Christianity was gradually introduced and November 23 was honored as feast day by his relative, St Nino of Cappadocia.
His beliefs and values reached the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century, where he was patronized as a saint by Pope Gelasius I.
St. George’s Cross – a red cross on a white background, also known as Colors of Saint George, was adapted by numerous countries in their national flags, namely, England, Republic of Genoa, Georgia, Catalonia, Aragon, and so on.
Personal Life & Legacy
He was beheaded at Nicomedia near Lydda on April 23, 303, following his refusal of refuting his faith in Christ and accepting paganism.
He was honored as a martyr by the Christians and his remains were buried in a church in Lydda that’s named after him. His head was taken to Rome where it was preserved in a church dedicated to him.
After his spirit was sighted by the Franks at the Battle of Antioch in 1098 and a year later in Jerusalem, he was made patron saint of England in 1222 and St. George’s Day was declared a feast day.
Facts About Saint George
Saint George is not only the patron saint of England, but also of several other countries and cities, including Portugal, Georgia, and Beirut.
Legend has it that Saint George slayed a dragon to rescue a princess, symbolizing his bravery and courage.
Saint George is often depicted as a knight in shining armor, representing chivalry and honor.
In addition to being a revered saint in Christianity, Saint George is also recognized as a holy figure in Islam and other faiths.

Saint George's Day is celebrated on April 23, in many countries around the world to honor his legacy and contributions to society.

See the events in life of Saint George in Chronological Order

How To Cite

Article Title
- Saint George Biography
Author
- Editors, TheFamousPeople.com
Website
- TheFamousPeople.com
URL
- https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/saint-george-6276.php

People Also Viewed

Irenaeus Biography
Irenaeus
(Greek)
 
Saint Nicholas Biography
Saint Nicholas
(Greek)
 
Saint Barbara Biography
Saint Barbara
(Turkish)
 
Agatha of Sicily Biography
Agatha of Sicily
(Italian)
 
Pope Leo I Biography
Pope Leo I
(Italian)
 
Jesus Christ Biography
Jesus Christ
(Ancient Roman)
 
Martin de Porres Biography
Martin de Porres
(Peruvian)
 
Thomas Aquinas Biography
Thomas Aquinas
(Italian)
 

Also Listed In

4th Century