Saint George (Greek: ΓεώργιοςGeorgios; Classical Syriac: ܓܝܘܪܓܝܣGiwargis; Latin: Georgius; circa 275/281 – 23 April 303 AD) was a soldier in the Roman army who later became venerated as a Christian martyr. His parents were Christians of Greek background;[3] his father Gerontius was a Roman army official from Cappadociaand his mother Polychronia was from Lydda, Syria Palaestina.[3] Accounts differ regarding whether George was born in Cappadocia or Syria Palaestina, but agree that he was raised at least partly in Lydda.[3] Saint George became an officer in the Roman army in the Guard of Diocletian, who ordered his death for failing to recant his Christian faith.
In hagiography, Saint George is one of the most venerated saints in the Catholic Church (Latin and Eastern), Anglican, Orthodox, East Syrian, and Miaphysite Churches. He is immortalized in the myth of Saint George and the Dragon and is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers. His memorial, Saint George's Day, is traditionally celebrated on the Julian date of 23 April (currently the 6th of May according to the Gregorian Calendar), and he is regarded as one of the most prominent military saints. Many patronages of Saint George exist around the world, including countries and cities, as well as the Scout Movement,[4] in addition to a wide range of professions, organizations, and disease sufferers.
