Saint George, according to legend, was a Roman soldier of Greek origin and officer in the Guard of Roman emperor Diocletian, who was sentenced to death for failing to recant his Christian faith. As a Christian martyr, he later became one of the most venerated saints in Christianity and in particular the Crusades.

George's parents were Christians of Greek background, his father Gerontius (Gerontios meaning "old man" in Greek) was a Roman army official from Cappadocia, and his mother Polychronia (Greek name, meaning she who lives many years) was a Christian and a Greek native from Lydda in the Roman province of Syria Palaestina. Accounts differ regarding whether George was born in Cappadocia or Syria Palaestina, but agree that he was raised at least partly in Lydda.

In hagiography, as one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers and one of the most prominent military saints, he is immortalised in the myth of Saint George and the Dragon. His memorial, Saint George's Day, is traditionally celebrated on April 23. Numerous countries, cities, professions and organisations claim Saint George as their patron.

Saint George is the patron saint of England. His cross forms the national flag of England, and features within the Union Flag of the United Kingdom, and other national flags containing the Union Flag, such as those of Australia and New Zealand. By the 14th century, the saint had been declared both the patron saint and the protector of the royal family.

Saint George is also one of the patron saints of the Mediterranean islands of Malta and Gozo.

Devotions to Saint George in Portugal date back to the 12th century.

Saint George is the patron saint of Romania.

Saint George is the patron of Aragon, one of the autonomous communities of Spain.

Saint George (Sant Jordi in Catalan) is the patron saint of Catalonia. His cross appears in many buildings and local flags, including the one of the Catalan capital, Barcelona.... More • http://en.wikipedia. ... int_George View • Books • Images • Videos • Search Related • Christians • Soldiers • Barcelona • Catalonia • Christianity • Executed • Italy • Martyrs • Religion • Roman Age • Romans • Saints • 3rd Century AD • 4th Century AD • Icons • People