Saint George the Confessor, with his wife and children, of Constantinople

Saint George, the martyr and confessor of Christ, was born in Constantinople. During the period of iconoclasm, he was arrested and brought before Emperor Theophilus, who sought to make him renounce Christ. Saint George, unmoved by threats, boldly declared that Christians must venerate the holy icons, for the honor shown to them passes to the prototype whom they represent.

For his confession of faith, Saint George was subjected to cruel tortures. He was dragged through the streets, imprisoned, and stripped of all his possessions. His wife, Irene, and their children were taken from him, and he was sent into exile. Despite these great sufferings, he remained steadfast in his faith until he joyfully departed to the Lord.