George, Saint

George, Saint (about 3rd century AD) , patron saint of England.

St. George probably lived in the times of the Roman Empire.

His home may have been in present-day Israel and it is said that he is buried there at Lydda.

He was put to death for being a Christian and became a popular saint in the Middle East.

During the Crusades, soldiers from England took him for their patron and he was made the patron saint of England in the time of King Edward III (1327-57).

His feast day, 23 April, was for centuries a public holiday.

The flag of England is the cross of St. George, a red cross on a white background, and you will see it flying on churches on his feast day.

In the Middle Ages, a legend grew up about St. George killing a dragon to save the daughter of a ruler in the East and many paintings show him doing this.