Episode 1149: St George

St. George is one of the most venerated saints in Christianity, particularly in the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Catholic Church, and various branches of Anglicanism. While the details of his life are shrouded in legend and myth, here's a summary of the traditional biography:
St. George is believed to have been born in the late 3rd century in Cappadocia, which is now modern-day Turkey, to Christian parents. He later moved to Palestine with his mother after his father died. Little is known about his early life, but he is said to have joined the Roman army and risen to the rank of tribune.
According to tradition, during the reign of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, George openly confessed his Christian faith and protested against the persecution of Christians. This led to his imprisonment, torture, and eventual martyrdom around 303 AD in Lydda, Palestine.
One of the most famous legends associated with St. George is his slaying of a dragon. According to the popular story, a dragon was terrorizing a city in Libya, demanding sacrifices, including young maidens. St. George, on his way to battle, encountered the distressed city and fought the dragon, eventually slaying it and saving the princess and the city. This story became particularly popular during the medieval period and is often depicted in art and literature.
St. George's cult spread throughout the Christian world, and he became especially revered in England after being adopted as the patron saint of the country in the 12th century. His feast day is celebrated on April 23rd, which is also the traditional date of his martyrdom.
Throughout history, St. George has been invoked as a protector against various threats, including disease, hardship, and enemies of the Christian faith. Numerous churches, institutions, and regions around the world are dedicated to him, and he remains a beloved figure in Christian tradition.