The Life and Martyrdom of St. George

According to credible tradition, St. George was born in A.D. 283 to Christian parents from a noble family in Cappadocia. Some traditions claim he was born in Lydda (or Diospolis) in Palestine. His father served in the army of Emperor Diocletian. After his father’s death, George and his mother moved to Palestine, as she was originally from the Holy Land. George inherited her property.

This strong and healthy young man dedicated himself to military service early in life. Due to his talent, exemplary service, and outstanding character, he rose quickly through the ranks of the Roman army. He was entrusted with many important responsibilities under Emperor Diocletian. He was also appointed as an envoy to several foreign nations, where he used the opportunity to bear witness to his Christian faith. While visiting the region of Hormizd (modern-day Iran), he helped organize the local church. He is also believed to have visited England, where he came across Diocletian’s infamous anti-Christian edict.

This ignited his strong faith. He returned to confront the emperor, openly declaring his Christian belief. Not only that, he tore up the royal edict as a mark of protest and renounced his military titles and honors. He boldly opposed the emperor’s policies and laws.

The 4th-century historian Eusebius of Caesarea makes a reference to a military officer who protested against the emperor’s persecution and was later martyred. Though the name isn’t mentioned, many scholars believe this refers to St. George.

St. George’s life testifies that he valued his Christian faith more than his rank or worldly honors. He chose the path of hardship and endurance for the sake of his testimony to Christ. What stands out is his bravery and unwavering commitment to his faith. The furious emperor had him imprisoned and subjected to severe tortures. But George stood firm, unshaken like a rock.

There are various traditions about his martyrdom. One describes him being tied to a wheel with sharp blades and spun with great force. Yet, he is said to have emerged from it unharmed, declaring, “My God is great.” He was then thrown into a burning furnace, but came out without even the smell of fire on him. Eventually, he was executed by beheading. History places his martyrdom on April 23, A.D. 303. In his final moments, he knelt and prayed:

"O Jesus, may those who seek my intercession always receive your comfort and help."

The famous story of him slaying a serpent is said to have occurred while he was serving as a soldier. A fierce serpent had threatened the life of a local ruler’s daughter. George came upon the scene, and from horseback, he thrust his sharp spear into the creature’s gaping mouth and killed it, saving the princess. This tale became part of the legendary tradition surrounding him.

Such dramatic tales are often associated with legendary heroes. Symbolically, the serpent represents evil. The Book of Revelation also mentions a terrible serpent. Every Christian is called to resist evil. The story of the serpent illustrates this spiritual truth: through faith and perseverance, we are to conquer evil.

If anyone thinks that leading a Christian life or bearing witness to Christ is impossible for a soldier, St. George's story proves otherwise. Every believer should become a martyr at heart—ready to give up everything for faith. We must consider it a blessing to suffer hardships for Christ and His Gospel.

In the Church, saints and martyrs are usually priests or members of religious orders. But St. George, a military commander who never entered the clerical ranks, was recognized as a holy martyr. He proves that Christian values can be upheld, and Christian testimony boldly given, in any profession or walk of life. Standing before the emperor, he boldly declared his Christian faith and his willingness to sacrifice everything for it.