St. George was born around 280 A.D. to a wealthy Christian family in Capadocia. When St. George was still a young child, his father, Anastasios, was martyred for being a Christian. His mother, Theopista, raised him in a holy Christian manner.

At the age of 17, St. George joined the Roman army where he learnt horsemanship and was quickly promoted by the governor to the rank of a commander in the Imperial Guard, responsible for over 1000 soldiers.
When St. George returned from the army and went to visit his mother in Lydda, Palestine, he found out that the Persian king, Dadianus, who ruled there, had issued an order that everyone should worship the idols and that Christians who did not obey the order would be tortured. Many people became afraid.

St. George was brave and courageous and had great love for our Lord Jesus, so he went before the king and confessed his belief in our Lord Jesus Christ. The king marveled at his appearance and courage and was informed that he was the son of an eminent governor. The king tried to persuade him with many promises to offer incense to the idols and that he would grant him all his wishes. St. George refused all the earthy promises and stood firm in his loyalty to his Christ and his faith. The king was very angry and ordered St. George to be tortured in many terrible ways. The Lord always helped St. George and healed his injuries and wounds. While he was tortured, St. George always remained calm and peaceful, even those who were torturing him marveled at him!

The king then thought St. George was a sorcerer so he brought a magician called Athanasius. The magician gave St. George a cup of deadly poison to drink. St. George made the sign of the cross over the cup and then drank it. No harm came upon him. They then tied his arms behind his back, so he could not make the sign of the cross and gave him another cup of poison. St. George was very clever. He asked pointing with his head; ‘do you want me to drink from here or here or here or here’, making the sign of the cross over the cup with his head! Then he drank it and nothing happened to him. Athanasius the magician believed in our Lord Jesus Christ and the king ordered him to be killed and he won the crown of martyrdom.

Because of the many miracles St. George performed during the 7 years when he was tortured, many people became Christians and were martyred, including the wife of King Dadianus, Queen Alexandra. At last the king ordered St. George to be killed and he won the crown of martyrdom and went to heaven.

Even though St. George went to heaven many years ago, he is still performing miracles and is quick to respond to those who ask for his prayers and help. He is called ‘Prince of the Martyrs’ and ‘the one quick to respond’. Every Coptic Orthodox Church in the world has an icon for St. George.

He is a great example for us in how to excel in everything we do, in being brave and courageous, and in remaining faithful to our beloved Lord Jesus…

May the prayers and the blessings of St. George Prince of the Martyrs be with us all Amen.