St. George Medal – The Solider Saint

“Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall hurt you.” Luke10:19

Although little is known of the life and deeds of St. George, in the Eastern Church he was honored as “The Great Martyr”. Learn more about the Solider Saint and the history of wearing a St. George Medal and Necklace or praying with a St. George Rosary

The Biography of St. George

St. George is a Christian martyr who is venerated as a saint by the Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican churches. He is known as the patron saint of soldiers, as well as many other groups, such as farmers, archers, and the sick. He is also known as the patron saint of England, Georgia, Portugal, Catalonia, and the cities of Moscow, Istanbul, and Venice.

The exact details of St. George’s life are unclear, as there are varying accounts of his life and martyrdom. According to tradition, he was born in the 3rd century AD, in Cappadocia, which is now part of modern-day Turkey. He was a Roman soldier and was said to be a member of the Praetorian Guard, the elite personal bodyguards of the Roman Emperor.

The most well-known legend about St. George is that he saved a town from a dragon. According to the legend, a dragon was terrorizing a town, and the citizens were forced to sacrifice their children to the dragon to appease it. When it was George’s turn to be sacrificed, he bravely rode out to face the dragon, and with the help of his faith in God, he was able to slay the dragon and save the town.

St. George’s martyrdom is said to have occurred during the persecution of Christians under the Roman Emperor Diocletian. He was arrested, tortured, and executed for his faith. The most popular version of the story is that he was tortured and beheaded, although there are other versions of the story that say he was burned alive, or that he died a natural death in prison.

His cult became popular in the Eastern Church from the 5th century, and in the Western Church from the 8th century, during the crusades he became a symbol of Christendom versus Muslim enemies.
St. George’s feast day is celebrated on April 23rd, and he is often depicted in art as a knight on horseback, slaying the dragon. He also sometimes shown with a red cross, which is said to symbolize his martyrdom.

A number of places, such as churches, chapels, and altars are dedicated to St. George and his legend continues to be celebrated in literature, art, music, and folk traditions. There are many famous artworks, sculptures, and manuscripts that depict St. George, such as the St. George and the Dragon sculpture by Bernini in Rome.

Many people around the world, from different cultures and backgrounds, venerate St. George as a patron saint, invoking his intercession in different aspects of life. Many people also make pilgrimage to places where St. George is celebrated, such as the city of Lydda in Palestine, where his tomb is believed to be, and other places in Europe, as well as in Middle East.

St. George continues to be a celebrated and revered figure, whose example of courage, faith, and dedication to God continue to inspire many people around the world.

The Life of St. George

Born in Cappadocia, Eastern Asia Minor, St. George in early youth followed the life of a soldier under Diocletian. However, when the emperor cruelly persecuted the Christians, St. George publicly rebuked him and resigned from his posting as tribune. As a result he King ordered him to be tortured and finally beheaded.

Soon churches were dedicated in his honor, and feast day was observed as a holyday of obligation. As the years passed he emerged amongst the people as the patron of the whole Christian East. It was not long before devotion to St. George spread to the West. The fourth century saw a church erected in his honor in Rome. There followed churches in France, Italy and Spain, and towns and provinces were dedicated to St. George as their Patron Saint.

St. George The Soldier Saint

Even Orders of Knighthood in his honor were founded in Italy, Spain, Bavaria and Russia. Medals were struck in honor of the Saint bearing an equestrian figure of St. George slaying the dragon, with the inscription, “St. George, Patron of horsemen”.

In the days of the Crusades, when King Richard the First of England led his soldiers forth to battle the Saracens and to regain the Holy Land, he selected as patron, St. George, the soldier Saint. It is related that when the infidel forces were pressing hard the Christians in battle and Richard the “Lionheart” seemed powerless to win the day, St. George, mounted on a white horse, appeared and led the Christians to victory.

Similarly, at the siege of Antioch St. George appeared to Godfrey of Bouillon. These apparitions impressed military men, and especially the English Knights, who selected as best patron for England for future ages the soldier martyr, St. George. He became the national patron of England, and was declared protector of the Kingdom of England by Pope Benedict XVI. 

You may also be interested in learning about St. Joan of Arc the patron saint of military service.

Popular St. George Medal and St. George Rosary

A St. George medal or a St. George rosary is a perfect gift to give to a young man who has chosen St. George as their confirmation name or any man or woman who is interested in or involved with military service. As the patron saint of soldiers, wearing a St. George medal daily is a perpetual prayer for Saint George to intercede on behalf of the wearer. As saints are united closer to God, their prayers are more efficacious, and enriches your own prayer.

Additionally, a Saint George pendant is a reminder to emulate the example of the holy saint as you pursue your military career. What a beautiful testament of faith to share with the world, or to keep discretely tucked under your clothes. During the challenging moments of your day, reflect upon the holy life of St. George and pray for their intercession and protection.

Prayers to St. George

Prayer to St. George as you wear a St. George Medal

Glorious Saint George, in the name of God, extend to me your shield and your powerful arms, defending me with your strength and your greatness; and may my enemies underneath your feet become humble and submissive to you.

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Prayer to St. George

Dear St. George,
You were known for your courage and bravery,
And for your unwavering faith in God.
I ask for your intercession in my life today,
That I too may be filled with courage and strength
In the face of all challenges and hardships.
Help me to trust in God’s love and protection,
And to always remain faithful to Him.
St. George, pray for me.

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St. George, Patron Saint of Soldiers

Dear St. George,
You are known as the patron saint of soldiers,
And for your bravery in the face of persecution.
I ask for your intercession for all those who serve
In the military, and for their families who wait at home.
May they be protected by the grace of God,
And may they be filled with courage and strength
As they carry out their duties with honor and dignity.
St. George, pray for our soldiers and their families.
Amen.

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St. George, Protector of the Weak

Dear St. George,
You were known for your bravery and strength,
But also for your compassion and concern for the weak.
I ask for your intercession for those who are vulnerable,
For those who are struggling, and for those in need.
May they find comfort and protection under your care,
And may they know the love and presence of God in their lives.
St. George, pray for the weak and vulnerable.
Amen.

St. George: Patron Saint of Soldiers and England

St. George is a beloved and revered saint who is remembered for his bravery, his faith, and his selflessness. He is honored as the patron saint of soldiers and England, and his life continues to inspire people all over the world.

Patron Saint of Soldiers

St. George is the patron saint of soldiers, and he is invoked by those who serve in the military and by their families. He is remembered for his bravery and his unwavering commitment to serving others, and he is seen as a symbol of courage and selflessness.

Patron Saint of England

St. George is also the patron saint of England, and he is revered by the English people as a symbol of their heritage and their national identity. He is remembered for his bravery, his faith, and his devotion to the people of England, and he is honored as a symbol of strength and perseverance.
St. George’s legacy continues to inspire people all over the world, and he is remembered as a hero of the faith and a shining example of courage and selflessness. Through his example, he reminds us of the importance of serving others, of standing up for what is right, and of embracing the call to be a true servant of God.” “

Reflection on the feast day of St. George

The feast day of St. George is April 23rd.

As we gather to celebrate the feast day of St. George, we are reminded of the powerful impact this Roman soldier and martyr had on the Church in the 3rd century. Not much is known about the historical St. George, but he is venerated as a Christian martyr and a military saint. He is known for his legendary act of slaying a dragon and saving a princess, as well as his bravery in confessing his faith in front of the Roman Emperor Diocletian and suffering martyrdom for it. He is one of the most venerated saints in the Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican and Oriental Orthodox Churches.

St. George’s life is a testament to the power of faith and courage, he showed that one can be faithful to God even in the face of persecution and death. He was a soldier, a martyr and a saint, but he never let his position or his talents go to his head. He always put his faith in God above all else, and his life was a reflection of the love of Christ.

As we reflect on the life and teachings of St. George, we are reminded that faith and courage are powerful tools in the quest for the truth. He teaches us that true devotion to God means to be faithful even in the face of persecution and death. He encourages us to be bold in our convictions and to use our talents and abilities for the greater good. He reminds us that true wisdom comes from a deep understanding of the Word of God.

As we celebrate the feast day of St. George, let us give thanks for the powerful example he has set for us and commit ourselves to following in his footsteps by living lives of faith, courage and devotion to God

Discover biographies, prayers, and reflections for more than 400 Catholic Saints

Saints Similar to St. George

You may also be interested in reading the Biography of St. Gerard and the Biography of St. Gerard Majella and the Biography of St. Germaine Cousin. St. Gerald, St. Gerard, and St. Gerard Majella share similar names and have historical connections to the Christian faith. St. Germaine Cousin is a separate saint in the list. Next up: Biography of St. Gerald

 

Also check out our handmade St. George Medal and St. George Rosary and St. George Rosary Bracelet .