Saint George’s Day is celebrated on 23 April otherwise known as the feast day of Saint George and is celebrated by numerous Christian Churches cities of which Saint George is the patron saint in nations, countries and even kingdoms.
Facts pertaining to the life of St George’s life has spanned through the centuries where he has grown in legendary and mythical status. Nonetheless, his reputation has survived for almost 1,700 years as a champion of the cause.
St George was born to Christian parents in A.D. 270 in Cappadocia, what is today known as Eastern Turkey. He later moved to Palestine with his Mother and became a Roman soldier where he rose to the high rank of Tribunus Minimum (an office that was administrative with logistics responsibilities, which included management of the legionaries’ food supply, their general health, and the overall security of the legion’s camp).
Despite his status and success as a Roman Officer and soldier, he later resigned his military post and protested his pagan leader, the Emperor Diocletian (245-313 AD) who was opposed to the Christian faith and who consequently led Rome’s persecution of Christians.
His act of rebellion against the Emperor was seen as treason and resulted in his imprisonment and torture. Despite the horrid torture he experienced, he endured faithful to his Christian faith and refused to denounce his faith.
In response to this, the infuriated Diocletian ordered that St George is dragged through the streets of Nicomedia, Turkey, on the 23rd of April 303 AD and had him beheaded. The Emperor’s wife Prisca was so inspired by St George’s bravery and loyalty to his religion, that she too became a Christian.
Centuries later, in 1222 the Council of Oxford declared April 23rd to be St George’s Day but it was not until 1348 that St George became the Patron Saint of England and later in 1415, St George’s Day was declared a national feast day and holiday in England. Nevertheless, following the union with Scotland at the end of the 18th Century, the tradition lessened and was no longer acknowledged as a national holiday.
Traditional customs were to fly the St George’s flag (a white flag with a red cross on it) and wear a red rose in one’s lapel. The hymn ‘Jerusalem’ was also sung on the 23rd April, or the nearest Sunday to that date, in churches across the nation.
St George’s refusal to denounce his faith resulting in his persecution and subsequent death is still reflected in today’s world, as we see Christians being persecuted for refusing to denounce their faith in Jesus.
Over the Easter, we remembered the cross on which Jesus was hung, His blood that was shed and that on the third day He rose from the dead. Jesus’ death was embroiled with betrayal, denial, and abandonment, yet Jesus’ death was victorious with His ultimate resurrection and ascension.
As we reflect on St George’s Day, may we give a thought of the sacrifice that may be required of us and may we be ready to lay down all for Jesus to gain the ultimate victory in Him.
