Happy St George’s Day from the National Housing Party. Our Patron of England is one that perfectly encompasses the vigour, defiance and unwavering faith that the heart of England was so boldly founded on.
A true Christian martyr that endured to the end, spreading the love of Jesus Christ and standing on the principles of righteousness in the face of persecution is our beloved St George. A man of God worthy of imitation in character and faith.
The Trials and Tribulations of St George
St George was born in Cappadocia of Greek origin around 275 AD, and his image is found in almost every orthodox church in the world. Born into a wealthy Christian family, his father Yonos served as an officer in the Roman imperial military but was subsequently martyred for his faith in Christ after heavy persecution and condemnation from the pagan Roman pantheon. In his youth St George and his mother retreated to Roman-occupied Palestine following his father’s execution. St George had a strong military ambition and couldn’t resist the desire to become a soldier, it was just in his blood.
By the time he was in his 20s, he was a commander for the Roman army and in charge of over 1000 men and was stationed in the empire’s eastern wing serving under Emperor Diocletian, with whom he had attained great favour by gaining many victories in battle.
Diocletian attributed his ruling success to the various pagan deities of the time. Because of this he ordered the people make ritualistic sacrifices to them. Followers of Christ would not partake in these practices and the emperor took great offence to their disobedience. In 303 AD an edict was published that declared the brutal persecution of Christians under Roman rule, so St George, realising the time had come to defend his faith, decided to give away all of his possessions to the needy and he marched straight into the forum to confront the emperor. With a fearless attitude he burst open the door, looked straight into Diocletian’s eyes and tore up the document in defiance.
Diocletian attempted to plead with St George not to throw away his life, as he had proved himself to be an excellent and victorious warrior for the empire. In response, St George quoted Jesus Christ stating “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on Earth where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal, but store up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19).
St George underwent agonising torture where he was strapped to a wheel and spun into blades slicing into his back. George endured this in silence, and the guards reported seeing a glow radiate from him. After the sounds of heavenly thunder, his wounds rapidly and miraculously healed. The guards and many others converted to Christianity after bearing witness to this. Diocletian accused him of practising dark arts and witchcraft to explain his healing.
George was swiftly ordered to be executed. He was thrown into a hole in the ground that was filled with water and calcium oxide, a combination that disintegrated human flesh. After several days, George was unharmed and witnesses continued to denounce the false pagan gods of the pantheon and follow Jesus Christ.
Eventually St George was taken outside the city gates where he willingly excepted his martyrdom by beheading on April 23rd 303 AD
George and the Dragon
Oral tradition cites a heroic battle between St George and a dragon. The serpent creature not only represents Satan and the evils of the empire against Christians, but the tale shows us that warriors of Christ will always triumph over the beasts of this world.
St George teaches us to be defiant in the bitter face of oppression, hold steadfast to the Christian faith and endure to the end.
NHPUK wish you a very happy St George’s day.
Jesus Christ is King.
