The Life of Saint George
| George,
this truly great and glorious Martyr of Christ, was born
of a father from Cappadocia and a mother from Palestine.
Being a military tribune, or a chilliarch (that is, a commander of a
thousand troops), his was illustrious in battle and
highly honored for his courage. When he learned that
Emperor Diocletian was preparing a to persecute
Christians, Saint George presented himself publicly
before the Emperor and denounced him. When threats and
promises could not move him from his steadfast
confession, he was put to unheard-of tortures, which he
endured with great bravery, overcoming him by his faith
and love towards Christ. By the wondrous signs that took
place in his contest, he guided many to the knowledge of
the truth, including Queen Alexandra, wife of Diocletian,
and was finally beheaded in 296 in Nicomedia. His sacred
remains were taken by his servant from Nicomedia to
Palestine, to a town called Lydda, the homeland of
his mother, and then finally transferred to the church
which was raised up in his name. St. George's Feast Day
is celebrated on April
23; the translation
of the Saint's holy relics to the church in Lydda is
commemorated November
3; Saint Alexandra
the Queen, on April
21. "Liberator of captives, defender of the poor, physician of the sick, and champion of kings, O trophy-bearer Great Martyr George, intercede with Christ God that our souls be saved." Dismissal Hymn of St. George. |
THE GREAT HOROLOGION, (Book of Hours), Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Boston, MA