Saint George
George the Great Martyr is one of the most famous and revered saints of the Christian world. He lived at the end of the third and beginning of the fourth century. The son of wealthy and pious parents, St. George was brought up in the Christian faith. In his military career he was noted for his courage, intelligence and physical strength. He was also stately and handsome, and therefore soon won favor of the emperor Diocletian. The latter was a fierce opponent of Christianity, and in 303 began the persecution of Christians. Protesting against severe persecutions with all his heart, George gave away all his property to the poor, and then has appeared to Diocletian to openly declare himself a Christian.
The emperor unsuccessfully tried to persuade George to renounce his faith, after which he ordered to torture him. But no matter how fierce his tormentors were, George firmly endured all the trials and did not renounce Christ. Then Diocletian ordered to cut off the saint's head with a sword. Thus, in the year 303 at Nicodemia, George the Great Martyr was executed.
For his courage and firmness with which the saint endured trials, remaining faithful to Christ, and for his spiritual victory over his executioners, he is called Saint George the Victorious. Nowadays a part of the relics as well as the miraculous icon of Saint George are kept in the Xenophontos monastery on the Holy Mount Athos.
Prayer to Saint George
Almighty God, who gave to your servant George boldness to Confess the Name of our Savior Jesus Christ before the rulers of this world, and courage to die for this faith: Grant that we may always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in us, and to suffer gladly for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
