St George showed incredible courage and faith and was finally beheaded near Lydda in Palestine. His head was later taken to Rome where it was interred in the church dedicated to him. Stories of his strength and courage soon spread throughout Europe. In the Middle Ages the dragon was commonly used to represent the Devil. Unfortunately the many legends connected with St. George’s name are fictitious, and the slaying of the ‘Dragon’ was first credited to him in the 12th century.
St. George, so the story goes, killed a dragon on the flat topped Dragon Hill in Uffington, Berkshire, and it is said that no grass grows where the dragon’s blood trickled down!
It was probably the 12th century Crusaders however who first invoked his name as an aid in battle.
Saint George (d. c. 303) was a Christian martyr and Roman soldier, honored for his courageous witness to the faith during the persecution of Christians under Emperor Diocletian.
According to tradition, George refused to renounce Christ and was tortured and executed for his faith. Over time, he became widely venerated in both the Eastern and Western Churches as a model of courage, fidelity, and trust in God.
He is famously associated with the legend of the dragon, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and faith over fear—not as a historical account, but as a powerful image of Christian victory through Christ.
Feast day: April 23
Patron saint of: soldiers, knights, England, scouts, and those seeking courage
Known for: bravery, martyrdom, and defense of the faith
Saint George reminds Christians to stand firm in faith, even in the face of persecution, trusting in Christ’s victory.
Saint George is one of the most venerated Christian martyrs in the world, celebrated especially for his courage, military virtue, and the famous legend of the dragon. His feast day is April 23, and he is honored across many countries, including England and Georgia.
Who Saint George Was
Saint George—also called George of Lydda—was a Christian soldier in the Roman army who was executed during the persecution under Emperor Diocletian in 303 AD.
Key Facts
- Early Christian martyr: Born in Cappadocia, served as a Roman soldier, and died for refusing to renounce his faith.
- Feast Day: April 23: Widely celebrated across Europe and the Middle East.
- Patron saint of many nations: Including England, Georgia, Portugal, Ethiopia, and regions like Catalonia and Aragon.
- Military saint: Venerated especially by soldiers and knights since the Crusades.
- Honored in multiple religions: Venerated not only by Christians but also by Druze and some Muslim communities.
The Legend of Saint George and the Dragon
The most famous story about him—though legendary rather than historical—is the tale of Saint George slaying a dragon to save a king’s daughter.
- Dragon‑slaying legend: Popularized in the Middle Ages and retold in the Golden Legend (13th century).
- Symbol of good triumphing over evil: Often interpreted as a Christianized version of the Perseus myth.
- Iconic imagery: Depicted in armor, riding a white horse, with a red‑cross shield or banner.
Where He Is Venerated
Saint George’s influence spans continents.
Major Places of Veneration
- Lydda (Lod), Israel: Traditional site of his tomb.
- Windsor Castle, England: St. George’s Chapel historically held several relics.
- Georgia: The country is named after him in popular tradition and celebrates him with multiple feast days.
- Middle Eastern churches: Including major shrines in Damascus and Lalibela
0423 Saint George 2p SMC 8.5 x 11 R1R 20240308Novena in Honor of St. George
PREPARATORY PRAYER
Almighty and eternal God! With lively faith and reverently worshiping Thy divine Majesty, I prostrate myself before Thee and invoke with filial trust Thy supreme bounty and mercy. Illumine the darkness of my intellect with a ray of Thy heavenly light and inflame my heart with the fire of Thy divine love, that I may contemplate the great virtues and merits of the saint in whose honor I make this novena, and following his example imitate, like him, the life of Thy divine Son.
Moreover, I beseech Thee to grant graciously, through the merits and intercession of this powerful Helper, the petition which through him I humbly place before Thee, devoutly saving, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Vouchsafe graciously to hear it, if it redounds to Thy greater glory and to the salvation of my soul.
Amen.
PRAYER IN HONOR OF ST. GEORGE
O GOD, who didst grant to St. George strength and constancy in the various torments which he sustained for our holy faith; we beseech Thee to preserve, through his intercession, our faith from wavering and doubt, so that we may serve Thee with a sincere heart faithfully unto death. Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
INVOCATION OF ST. GEORGE (Novena)
FAITHFUL servant of God and invincible martyr, St. George; favored by God with the gift of faith, and inflamed with an ardent love of Christ, thou didst fight valiantly against the dragon of pride, falsehood, and deceit. Neither pain nor torture, sword nor death could part thee from the love of Christ. I fervently implore thee for the sake of this love to help me by thy intercession to overcome the temptations that surround me, and to bear bravely the trials that oppress me, so that I may patiently carry the cross which is placed upon me; and let neither distress nor difficulties separate me from the love of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Valiant champion of the Faith, assist me in the combat against evil, that I may win the crown promised to them that persevere unto the end.
Prayer
My LORD and my God! I offer up to Thee my petition in union with the bitter passion and death of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, together with the merits of His immaculate and blessed Mother, Mary ever virgin, and of all the saints, particularly with those of the holy Helper in whose honor I make this novena.
Look down upon me, merciful Lord! Grant me Thy grace and Thy love, and graciously hear my prayer.
Amen.
A Prayer to St George, for Triumph in My Battles
Mighty God, Saint George was nicknamed the “Victory Bringer” because he relied on Your power to defeat evil wherever he went. Starting out as a soldier in his country’s army, he converted and became a soldier for Christ. Laying down the world’s armor by giving his wealth to the poor, he forever after carried the shield of faith and won many victories for those who sought Your help. I ask him to pray for the battles I’ve been enduring, and to bring Your triumph into my life. Help me to overcome the Enemy, Lord Jesus, and teach me how to protect myself with ever-increasing faith.
Saint George, pray for me.
Amen.
Prayer to Saint George for Strong Protection Against Enemies
I will go dressed and armed with the weapons of Saint George so that my enemies, having feet will not reach me; having hands will not trap me; having eyes will not see me, neither with thought can they cause me harm.
Firearms will not reach my body; knives and swords will break without touching my body, ropes and chains will break without tying my body.
Jesus Christ protects and defends me with the power of His Holy and Divine Grace.
The Virgin of Nazareth covers me with her sacred and divine mantle, protecting me in all my dolors and afflictions.
And God, with His Divine Mercy and great power, is my defender against the evils and persecutions of my enemies.
Glorious Saint George, in the name of God, extend to me your shield and your powerful arms, defending me with your strength and your greatness; and may my enemies underneath your feet become humble and submissive to you.
So Be it in the Power of God, of Jesus Christ and of the Divine Holy Spirit.
Amen
Youth Prayer to St. George for Courage
Heavenly Father,
St. George honored your son Jesus by refusing to deny him.
Please grant me the strength and courage you gave St. George.
When my friends are gossiping, let me make my words true and kind.
When somebody is being bullied, let me be the one who stands up for him.
When I am about to use my electronics or social media inappropriately, let me turn away.
When my Catholic faith is being misrepresented, give me the words to defend it.
When I am tempted by evil, help me to stay on the good path.
I ask this through the intercession of St. George
and in the name of your beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Amen
Prayer for St. George
St. George,
Heroic Catholic soldier and defender of your Faith, you dared to criticize a tyrannical Emperor and were subjected to horrible torture. You could have occupied a high military position but you preferred to die for your Lord. Obtain for us the great grace of heroic Christian courage that should mark soldiers of Christ.
Amen
St George Prayer
Almighty God, I bow before you seeking your help and mercy. Illuminate the darkness of my mind with a ray of heavenly light and inflame my heart with the fire of Your divine love, so that I may contemplate the great virtues and merits of Saint George in whose honour I make this novena, and following his example imitate, like him, the life of Your Divine Son.
Eternal God, I beseech you to graciously grant, through the merits and intercession of St George, this petition which I humbly place before You.
(Share your request…)
Almighty Father, “May Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
O God, who granted to Saint George the strength to sustain the torments he received for our holy faith; I beseech You to prevent my faith from wavering, so that I may also faithfully serve You with a sincere heart unto death. I ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
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