Born in Cappadocia in the late 3rd century, his family was Christian. 

When he was in his mid-teens he moved to Palestine, where his mother was from, after the death of his father who may have been a martyr. 

When he was old enough, George joined the Roman Army during the reign of Emperor Diocletian. When Diocletian issued an edict calling for the persecution of Christians in 303 AD, George made it a point of tearing it up in front of Diocletian. 

He was arrested, brutally tortured over an extended period of time, and then beheaded. 

He was buried in what is now Israel and a Basilica was eventually built over his tomb. 

In the 4th and 5th centuries, his legend began to grow. Then, in the 11th century, a story about George slaying a dragon to save the daughter of a King was added and Crusaders became especially attached to George when Richard The Lionheart and the Normans chose George as their protector, he became especially important in England. 

In 1348, King Edward II established The Order of The Knights of St. George. He is also greatly revered by the Palestinians. 

St. George is the Patron Saint of knights, soldiers, archers, fencers, and The Sisters of St. Francis of The Martyr St. George, whose American Provincial house is in Alton, IL. 

St. George, please pray for us.