The life of St. George is so much enshrouded in myths and legends that it is hard to untangle fact from fiction. However, here we enumerate generally accepted views about his life and how they left a permanent impression upon the European –Christian history. He was born to Christian parents in the city of Cappadocia in Greece, in circa 270 A.D. After the death of his father he migrated to Palestine, the country to where his mother belonged. He grew up looking after his family estate and got commissioned into the imperial army of Roman Emperor Dioclesian, where he rose to a senior rank. Dioclesian persecuted the Christians mercilessly. George was a staunch follower of Christianity and he protested against the Emperor’s diabolical acts. His confrontationist attitude evoked the Emperors ire and he was martyred at Nicomedia, near Lydda in Palestine on 23 April, A.D. 303. It is said that Alexandria, the wife of the Emperor was so impressed with the sacrifice of St. George that she too got converted Christianity and as a consequence happily attained martyrdom, at the hands of her husband. The sacrifice of St. George earned him a lot of reverence and following amongst the entire Christian world and he came to be worshipped as a saint. Subsequently, the Roman Orthodox Church beatified him.
In 1121, Richard the Lion Heart evoked the blessings of St. George to help him in his crusade. There are some who believe that he appeared before the Christian army and blessed them before their campaign.
Later in 1222, the Council of Oxford appointed 23rd April as his Feast Day. By end of the Fourteenth century, he had become the patron saint of England and came to be associated with the Order of the Garter. Slowly, a large number of myths evolved around his personality- the most popular of all being the one of Egyptian dragon. It is believed that George travelled all the way from Europe, till he reached a pagan city located in the present day Libya. According to the legend a formidable dragon, whose hunger was not satiated by mutton, inhabited the country and hence he demanded human flesh. It so happened that when St. George visited the city, the princess of the Kingdom was to be offered to the dragon for his meal. The people and the King, implored him to save the princess. St. George reached the valley of the dragon, astride his horse and a fiery battle ensued. Ultimately, he overpowered the dragon and did him to death by thrusting his lance into his body. Thus St. George rescued the helpless people from the cannibal dragon. The king rewarded St. George immensely and he promptly distributed the largesse amongst the poor. Many interpret this legend by associating dragon to the Satan and the princess to Christianity.
A red cross set against the background of white represents St. George and it is a central part of the British flag. During the Second World War, when England was being raided by the German aeroplanes King George instituted the George Cross in the Memory of St. George, to be conferred upon civilians, who showed exemplary courage and valour during emergency situations. The George Cross is only next to Victoria Cross in honour and importance. Baden-Powell the originator of modem Scouts movement too reaffirmed his faith in St. George, by dedicating the first day of camping to St. George.
St. George’s Day is celebrated solemnly by holding a special church service. At some places food and drink festival is also organised. The Royal Society of St. George is making concerted efforts to revive the interest of English people in St. George’s Day festivities. Though first established in New York in 1770 A.D. The Society first came to England in 1894 and Her Majesty, the Queen granted it the Royal Charter of Incorporation in 1963. Many regiments of the Army of different countries of Europe also celebrate the St. George's Day with great ceremony.
