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Who was Saint George?
Many places in the world have chosen Saint George as a Patron Saint. His slaying of the dragon as a symbol of the victory of goodness over evil endeared him to many.
However, there is almost nothing known of the early years of Saint George's life. He was born sometime in the year 263AD, in the city of Lydia near Jerusalem. His parents were from Cappadonia, a city in present day Turkey.
When he was 17 he enlisted as a soldier in the army of the Roman Emperor Diocletian. He was a skilled horseman, fighter and leader and he rose through the ranks becoming an officer.
When the Emperor Diocletian began his campaign of persecuting Christians, George, who was a devout Christian, requested an audience with the Emperor and was granted one. George pleaded with the Emperor to stop the persecution.
Diocletian was so annoyed and incensed, that he commanded George to recant his religion. When he refused, George was arrested. George was executed on April 23, 303AD. This day is now known as Saint George's Day.
Posted by admins at April 19, 2007 10:17 AM