George
Feast Day: April 23
Legendary Christian soldier who slayed evil, venerated worldwide.
Patronage
soldiers, knights, armorers, cavalry, scouts, scouting, heraldry, plague, leprosy, syphilis, skin diseases, England, Portugal, Georgia, Aragon, Genoa, Venice, herpetology
Virtues & Traits
Biography
Saint George was an early Christian martyr whose veneration dates to the fourth century, though historical details remain disputed. He is traditionally remembered as a Roman soldier and officer in the military of Diocletian who was executed for refusing to renounce his Christian faith. The legendary account depicts him slaying a dragon threatening a city, with the princess offered as sacrifice—a story symbolizing the triumph of faith over evil. This dramatic narrative made him immensely popular throughout Christendom. Though the historical George's life is shrouded in legend, his veneration spread rapidly across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. By medieval times, he became the patron of knights and soldiers, embodying Christian military virtue. He is honored as one of the most celebrated saints in Eastern Orthodox, Catholic, and Anglican traditions, with his feast day observed on April 23.